Chef Manager

Reach for Remarkable

Location: Dale Barracks, Chester, CH2 4BD
Pay rate: £14.05 per hour
Contract type: Permanent, full-time, 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7 (including some weekends)
Shift pattern: 1000 to 1800 (but may be required to cover early or late shifts, e.g., breakfast 0530 start, or dinner latest finish 2030)

Join Dale Barracks as our Chef Manager and lead a catering operation at the heart of a unique RAF training station. You'll inspire and develop your team, deliver high-quality food and service, and play a vital role in supporting military personnel, reservists, students, and visitors. With a strong team culture, varied responsibilities, and the chance to make a real impact every day, this is an excellent opportunity for a passionate hospitality leader looking for a rewarding and meaningful role.

To work within this Defence contract, you must have lived in the UK for the past 3 years, have the legal right to work here, and be able to pass full security vetting and DBS checks.

Why join us?

• Discounted meals on shift
• Free uniform and on‑site parking (with local transport links)
• Gym access
• Access to our Employee Benefits App – online GP, Employee Assistance Programme, and 100s of retail discounts
• Company benefits including life assurance, pension, generous holiday allowance (with the option to buy more), and additional benefits
• Strong career progression – we LOVE to promote from within
• Training and apprenticeships to support your development.

What you’ll do:

• In this hands-on leadership role, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen and day-to-day operations:
• Lead food production, menu delivery, service, stock control & ordering
• Oversee 3 x kitchens and a team of 8, ensuring everyone feels supported and set up for success
• Maintain excellent food standards for up to 150 covers per service (typically ~100)
• Ensure full compliance with company and legal Health & Safety policies
• Manage the unit’s financial performance
• Uphold menu cycles and approved recipes

This is your kitchen to lead — and your team to inspire.

What we’re looking for:

• NVQ Level 3 Culinary (or equivalent)
• Food Hygiene certification
• Solid numeracy and strong understanding of relevant H&S legislation
• Confidence in the kitchen and a real passion for great food
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills
• Creativity, flexibility, and the ability to innovate
• Ability to pass Security Vetting and DBS checks

Ready to lead with purpose?

If this role appeals to you, then apply now and show us the value you will bring.

About Aramark UK

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident and Forces Friendly employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodation or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – careers@aramark.co.uk.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.

Job reference: 668335.