Saputo Inc.
Head Chef
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Head Chef
Location: Hawes, Yorkshire Dales
Hours: 5 days over 7 with alternate weekends off
Schedule: 8.30am to 5pm (4pm in Winter)
Shifts: No evenings / No split shifts
Public Holidays: Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day
About Saputo
Saputo Dairy UK is a top 10 global dairy processor. Our brands include Wensleydale, Cathedral City cheese, butters, and spreads such as Clover, Country Life, Vitalite, and Utterly Butterly. We are committed to high-quality products and supporting communities around the world.
About Our Visitor Centre
Our award-winning visitor experience centre features a restaurant, coffee shop, cheese shop, retail shop, and visitor attraction. We attract a diverse range of visitors all year round.
About This Opportunity
We are seeking an ambitious, creative Head Chef with a passion for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. You will lead a passionate, creative team and create inspiring menus that showcase our cheeses and celebrate the best local produce.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee smooth kitchen operations and develop new products and menus.
- Ensure agreed margins and budgets are delivered.
- Motivate your team and build a positive, energetic kitchen culture.
- Lead the day-to-day running of our kitchens using Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese and seasonal local produce.
- Maintain high standards, budgets, and health and safety compliance.
- Ensure strict portion control and quality standards.
- Deal with customer complaints professionally.
- Communicate customer feedback to the team daily.
- Manage weekly rotas, stock levels, and company GP targets.
- Adhere to and audit all HACCP / H&S / procedural requirements.
- Support the VC Director with departmental budgets and menu costings.
- Submit purchase orders, invoices, and delivery notes as per company procedure.
- Identify margin opportunities and run stock takes in line with company procedures.
- Induct new kitchen staff members and develop the kitchen team.
- Provide appropriate training and ensure clear communication with the catering team.
- Act as a role model and inspire the team with enthusiasm and professionalism.
- Manage team holiday requests with the Operations Manager.
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Qualifications
Required Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years experience at Head Chef level in a similar fast-paced environment.
- Results-driven with a focus on company vision, goals, and targets.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and conflict management skills.
- Decisive and resilient with a keen attention to detail.
- Ability to drive change and think systematically.
- Strong initiative and a commitment to continuous improvement.
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Benefits
- Working 5 days per week out of 7 with every other weekend off.
- Inclusive working environment.
- Opportunities for progression.
- Employer pension contributions.
- Health cash plan.
- Access to the Thrive wellbeing app 24-hours a day.
- Discounted SDUK branded products.
- Free, onsite parking.
- 25 holidays + 8 bank holidays.
- One paid workday a year to volunteer for local community or charitable institutions.
- Access to My Staff Shop with exclusive benefits, free advice, and savings.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Saputo
We support employment equity and invite candidates from all backgrounds to join our team. We are committed to providing any necessary adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.
Note: We do not pay fees or acknowledge CVs supplied by agencies unless you have been briefed on the role by a member of the Talent Acquisition Team.
#SDUK2026
In the UK, Saputo is a producer of leading British food brands and value-added ingredients. Our portfolio includes Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight, and Wensleydale. Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or any other function, your role is integral to our success.
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