Head Chef
| Company: | Professional Personnel Management Ltd |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £20.17 to £20.17 an hour |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Preston, PR1 3JE |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 16 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 23 Oct 2026 |
Summary
Head Chef (Grade K2)
Site Location: Preston - PR1
Job Title: Head Chef 1 - Grade K2
Sector: Catering Operations / Public Sector Government Facility
Pay rate: £20.17 per hour (including holiday)
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and resilient
Head Chef (Grade K2) to lead catering operations at a Ministry of Justice site. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the efficient, safe, and high-standard delivery of catering services within a unique environment.
You will manage the daily culinary output, lead a dedicated kitchen team, maintain strict compliance with food safety and security protocols, and ensure that meals are delivered consistently, on time, and to a high nutritional and qualitative standard.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Activities
Kitchen Management: Oversee day-to-day food preparation, cooking, and service operations, ensuring seamless execution across all daily meal services.
Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and schedule kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative, disciplined, and high-performing working culture.
Compliance & Standards: Maintain rigorous adherence to Health and Safety, Food Hygiene (HACCP), and custodial security regulations.
Stock & Inventory Control: Manage ordering, stock rotation, waste reduction, and inventory audits within allocated budgetary constraints.
Menu Planning: Deliver nutritious, appealing, and compliant menus that cater to various dietary requirements and operational guidelines.
Essential & Desirable Requirements
- Level 3 NVQ (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery or Catering.
- Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate.
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, high-pressure catering environment (e.g., hospitality, large-scale institutional catering, or public sector).
- Strong understanding of HACCP and kitchen compliance systems.
- Experience working within secure, government, defence, or custodial environments.
- Previous experience managing public sector catering budgets and supply chains.
Systems, Equipment & Processes
Kitchen Equipment: Proficiency in operating industrial catering equipment (combi ovens, large-scale mixers, commercial dishwashers, and bulk cooking vessels).
Processes: Full working knowledge of HACCP documentation, stock management software, and security protocols associated with working on a Ministry of Justice estate.
Key Challenges & Deliverables
Volume & Consistency: Successfully managing large-scale meal production without compromising on quality or strict operational timelines.
Security & Compliance: Navigating the unique security protocols of a Ministry of Justice site while maintaining a smooth and efficient kitchen workflow.
Team Development: Driving staff engagement, retention, and continuous improvement within the kitchen team.
Personal Attributes & Working Environment
Resilience & Composure: Ability to stay calm under pressure and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Leadership & Communication: Clear, authoritative yet supportive communication style to motivate a diverse team.
Attention to Detail: Uncompromising commitment to cleanliness, safety, food standards, and security compliance.
To apply please email tad@ppmrecruit.com or call Tad on 0121 450 8950