Chef Manager

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Job Introduction

We are looking for a passionate, experienced, and hands-on Chef Manager to join our team. You will be leading a small, dedicated catering team, ensuring high-quality food service, operational excellence, and a strong client relationship while keeping your kitchen at the heart of a vibrant, customer-focused environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to run your own kitchen and make an impact in a role that combines leadership, creativity, and responsibility.

Key Responsibilities
• Oversee all aspects of day-to-day operations within your catering unit
• Deliver high standards of food preparation, cooking, and service
• Lead and develop your team - coaching, training, and performance managing as required
• Maintain strong client relationships and respond effectively to customer feedback
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food safety regulations
• Manage budgets, control costs, and monitor GP to ensure financial targets are met
• Implement company policies, promotions, and systems including Nexus, 8965 purchasing, and cost tracking
• Drive engagement through team talks, customer satisfaction surveys, and improvement plans
• Create a positive, safe, and inclusive working environment

What We're Looking For

Essential
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a similar Chef Manager or Head Chef role
• Proven team leadership skills in a kitchen or hospitality setting
• NVQ Level 1 and 2 or City and Guilds 706/1 and 2
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage unit budgets
• Good understanding of food safety and HSE procedures
• IT literate and comfortable with systems like Nexus or similar

Desirable
• Previous experience in contract catering
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated with a can-do attitude and flexible approach
• Strong customer service ethos and commercial awareness

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together.Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/1809/77988001/52763448/SU #RA Group

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!