Head Chef
Detailed Job Description
Location: Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Department: Facility Operations
Reporting To: GM, APS Unipod Stirling Center
Compensation: £3,500 per month (Gross)
Annual Leave: 28 Calendar Days Paid Annual Leave (plus statutory entitlements where applicable)
Head chef - APS Unipod Stirling Center
APS Unipod Global is seeking an experienced, creative, and passionate Head Chef to lead the culinary operations of APS Unipod Stirling Center. The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall management of the Centre's kitchen, food production, menu planning, kitchen staff, food quality, hygiene standards, and operational efficiency. The primary objective of this role is to provide residents with healthy, nutritious, affordable, and culturally diverse meals that reflect the multicultural nature of the APS community.
The head chef should have the expertise in preparing a wide variety of international cuisines, including Indian, Continental, Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern, Asian, and British dishes, ensuring that students from different countries enjoy balanced and familiar meal options throughout the year.
Gender: Male / Female
Experience: 5 + Years in Industry
Education: Bachelors
Preferred Nationality: Indian / British / Arab
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Operations
Lead the day-to-day operations of the APS Unipod Stirling Center kitchen.
Plan, organize, and supervise all food preparation and production activities.
Ensure timely preparation and service of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special meals.
Maintain consistency in food quality, taste, presentation, and portion control.
Develop efficient kitchen workflows to maximize productivity.
Ensure smooth coordination between kitchen and dining operations.
Supervise food storage and inventory management.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
Menu Planning and Culinary Development
Create weekly and monthly rotating menus.
Develop balanced and nutritious meal plans.
Offer a mix of global cuisines catering to a multicultural student population.
Prepare authentic dishes from Indian, Continental, Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern, British, and other international cuisines.
Incorporate vegetarian, vegan, halal, and allergy-friendly meal options.
Introduce seasonal and themed menus.
Plan menus for festivals and cultural celebrations.
Develop special menus during examination periods and holidays.
Ensure meals are both nutritious and cost-effective.
Food Quality and Standards
Maintain the highest standards of food quality and consistency.
Ensure meals meet APS Unipod's hospitality standards.
Monitor taste, freshness, and presentation.
Conduct quality checks before service.
Maintain portion control and minimize food waste.
Continuously improve recipes based on resident feedback.
Kitchen Leadership and Staff Management
Supervise Sous Chefs, Cooks, Kitchen Assistants, and Stewards.
Allocate daily kitchen duties.
Prepare staff rosters.
Train and mentor junior kitchen staff.
Conduct performance reviews.
Promote teamwork and professionalism.
Maintain discipline and high operational standards.
Encourage continuous learning and culinary innovation.
Food Safety and Hygiene
Ensure strict compliance with UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulations.
Maintain HACCP-based food safety systems.
Monitor food storage temperatures.
Ensure proper labelling and stock rotation (FIFO).
Maintain excellent kitchen hygiene at all times.
Conduct routine sanitation inspections.
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation.
Maintain all food safety documentation.
Kitchen Procurement and Inventory
Forecast food and kitchen supply requirements.
Prepare purchase requisitions.
Assist in supplier selection.
Monitor inventory levels.
Minimise food wastage.
Ensure proper storage of food supplies.
Verify deliveries for quality and quantity.
Recommend new suppliers where appropriate.
Support cost control without compromising quality.
Budget and Cost Control
Manage kitchen operating costs.
Monitor food cost percentages.
Control wastage and spoilage.
Recommend cost-saving initiatives.
Maintain efficient inventory turnover.
Ensure optimum utilisation of kitchen resources.
Compliance and Administration
Maintain kitchen records and documentation.
Ensure compliance with food licensing regulations.
Prepare kitchen reports for management.
Participate in internal and external inspections.
Maintain supplier and inventory records.
Assist in developing kitchen SOPs.
Resident Engagements
Gather student feedback on meals.
Adapt menus to changing student preferences.
Organise international food festivals.
Conduct special culinary events and themed dining experiences.
Promote healthy eating initiatives.
Support community events organised by the Community Manager
Essential Qualifications
Diploma or Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, or Professional Cookery.
Minimum 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
Experience managing commercial kitchens serving large volumes.
Strong knowledge of international cuisines.
Excellent leadership and organisational skills.
Sound knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in student accommodation, universities, hotels, or institutional catering.
HACCP Certification.
Food Safety Level 3 Certification (or equivalent).
Experience in multicultural food service operations.
Knowledge of nutrition and dietary planning.
APS Employee Benefits
Gross salary of £3,500 per month
28 calendar days of paid annual leave (inclusive of annual leave entitlement; public holiday arrangements will be administered in accordance with company policy and applicable UK law)
Workplace pension scheme in accordance with UK auto-enrolment requirements
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), with any enhanced sick pay subject to company policy
Paid maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and parental leave in line with UK statutory requirements and company policies
Employer support for professional development and training
Company laptop and mobile phone
Business travel reimbursement for approved work-related expenses
Employee Assistance Programme (where applicable)
Performance and annual salary reviews
Opportunities for career progression within APS Unipod Global's international operations
A collaborative, multicultural, and purpose-driven working environment
Core Competencies
Culinary Leadership
International Cuisine
Menu Planning
Food Production Management
Kitchen Operations
Team Leadership
Food Safety & HACCP
Inventory Management
Cost Control
Procurement Coordination
Quality Assurance
Customer Service
Time Management
Creativity & Innovation
Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Why Join as Accounts Manager of APS Unipod Stirling Center?
Food is an essential part of the student experience, and at APS Unipod Stirling Center, we believe every meal should make students feel at home. As Head Chef, you will have the opportunity to shape a diverse culinary program that celebrates global flavors while delivering healthy, affordable, and high-quality meals to an international student community. If you are a passionate culinary professional with strong leadership skills and a commitment to excellence, this is your opportunity to lead the kitchen at one of Scotland's most innovative student accommodation communities and make a meaningful impact on the daily lives of students from around the world.
Join us in creating homes where students thrive and futures begin.
Head Office:
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Telephone +91 9538850303 Email relations@apsunipod.com
305, Third Floor, Central Wing, Thapar House, 123 Janpath Lane, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India
APS Unipod Stirling Center, St John Street, Stirling FK8 1EA, Scotland, United Kingdom
Telephone +44 7576112284 Email Stirling@apsunipod.com
UK Office: