Head Chef

Head Chef (Grade K2)

Site Location

Newcastle - ST5

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

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Kitchen Management

Oversee day-to-day food preparation, cooking, and service operations, ensuring seamless execution across all daily meal services.

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Team Leadership

Supervise, mentor, and schedule kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative, disciplined, and high-performing working culture.

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Compliance & Standards

Maintain rigorous adherence to Health and Safety, Food Hygiene (HACCP), and custodial security regulations.

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Stock & Inventory Control

Manage ordering, stock rotation, waste reduction, and inventory audits within allocated budgetary constraints.

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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

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Kitchen Equipment

Proficiency in operating industrial catering equipment (combi ovens, large-scale mixers, commercial dishwashers, and bulk cooking vessels).

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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

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Volume & Consistency

Successfully managing large-scale meal production without compromising on quality or strict operational timelines.

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Security & Compliance

Navigating the unique security protocols of a Ministry of Justice site while maintaining a smooth and efficient kitchen workflow.

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Team Development

Driving staff engagement, retention, and continuous improvement within the kitchen team.

Personal Attributes & Working Environment

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Resilience & Composure

Ability to stay calm under pressure and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.

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Leadership & Communication

Clear, authoritative yet supportive communication style to motivate a diverse team.

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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