At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create nutritious meals and enhance residents' dining experiences.
- Company: Join a caring organisation focused on quality food and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £32,900 salary, flexible hours, and great work-life balance.
- Other info: Access to discounts, wellness classes, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rewarding role while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 32900 £ per year.
Salary: £32,900 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week (mostly Monday–Friday)
Shift Pattern: Typically 07:00 – 15:00 (flexibility available depending on business needs)
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team at Meadow View in Maidstone. This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who enjoys a great work-life balance, with mainly Monday to Friday daytime hours, while still making a real difference through food. You’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and comforting meals to residents, creating a dining experience that truly enhances their day.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading the day-to-day running of the kitchen and setting high standards
- Planning, preparing, and delivering fresh, nutritious meals tailored to residents’ needs
- Managing and developing your kitchen team, creating a positive, supportive culture
- Overseeing stock control, ordering, and budget management
- Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety, Hygiene, and Health & Safety regulations
- Designing menus that are both appealing and suitable for a variety of dietary requirements
- Maintaining excellent presentation and consistency across all meals
What we’re looking for:
- Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager, ideally within care, healthcare, or hospitality
- A strong leader who can motivate and develop a team
- Passion for delivering high-quality food with a focus on nutrition and care
- Good organisational and financial management skills (stock, budgeting, ordering)
- Knowledge of food safety and compliance standards
- Flexible, reliable, and hands-on approach
What’s in it for you:
- £32,900 salary
- Predominantly Monday–Friday, daytime hours for great work-life balance
- Flexibility on shift patterns to support your lifestyle
- A rewarding role in a caring, people-focused environment
- Opportunity to lead your own kitchen and make a real impact
- Ongoing support and career development
This role is perfect for a Chef Manager looking to step into a stable, rewarding environment where you can combine leadership, creativity, and purpose—while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Benefits:
- 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
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
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!
Chef Manager in Maidstone employer: Chartwells Independent
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and individual growth. As a Chef Manager at Meadow View in Maidstone, you will enjoy a fantastic work-life balance with predominantly Monday to Friday daytime hours, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes career development opportunities, health perks, and exclusive discounts. Join us to lead a kitchen that makes a real difference in the lives of our residents while enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in care or hospitality. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your moment to shine and prove you can whip up those high-quality, nutritious meals while leading a team with flair.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded! The role of Chef Manager requires adaptability, so be ready to discuss how you can adjust your approach to meet the needs of the kitchen and the residents. Highlight your hands-on experience and willingness to jump in where needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored for passionate chefs like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to lead a kitchen with purpose!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creating delicious meals shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in a care or hospitality setting.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in managing and developing kitchen staff. Talk about how you've fostered a positive culture and motivated your team to deliver high-quality meals.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:Mention your skills in stock control, budgeting, and compliance with food safety regulations. We want to see that you can keep everything running smoothly while maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with various dietary requirements and how to create appealing menus. Be ready to discuss your ideas for meals that cater to different needs, as this shows your passion for delivering high-quality food.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop staff, as well as how you’ve created a positive culture. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a great chef but also a strong leader.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen, as this is crucial for the role and shows your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations in the kitchen, such as managing stock control or dealing with dietary restrictions. Think through your responses ahead of time so you can showcase your organisational and financial management skills effectively.
