At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire catering teams while creating delicious food experiences across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Lodestone House, a leader in catering for the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £37,000 and a Monday to Friday work schedule.
- Other info: Access to own transport is essential for this mobile role across Newport.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through your passion for food and culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or similar role, with strong culinary and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced and passionate Area Chef Manager to support our catering teams across a number of sites in Newport and the surrounding area. This is an exciting, hands-on role for someone who loves great food, enjoys developing people and can bring fresh ideas to our catering offer.
You'll work closely with site teams to drive culinary standards, support operational excellence and increase meal uptake through engaging food concepts, promotions and customer-focused initiatives. You'll also play a key role in delivering culinary workshops, food showcases and demonstrations, inspiring our teams and customers while bringing our food offer to life.
As this is a mobile role covering multiple locations, you must have access to your own transport and be comfortable travelling between sites as required.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading, supporting and motivating catering teams across multiple sites
- Providing hands-on culinary support to Chef Managers and kitchen teams
- Ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service
- Supporting sites to increase meal uptake and participation
- Developing initiatives, promotions and food concepts designed to encourage customers to choose our food offer
- Planning and delivering culinary workshops, chef demonstrations and food showcases
- Supporting tasting sessions and engagement activities to showcase new dishes and menu ideas
- Sharing culinary best practice and inspiring teams to continually improve
- Supporting menu development and the implementation of new menus and food concepts
- Coaching, training and developing catering teams
- Monitoring food costs, stock, ordering and waste
- Supporting sites to operate efficiently and within agreed budgets
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene, cleanliness and Health and Safety standards
- Building strong relationships with clients, customers and site teams
- Listening to customer feedback and using it to improve the food offer
- Providing support and cover across sites when required
Our ideal Area Chef Manager will:
- Have previous experience as an Area Chef, Chef Manager, Head Chef or similar
- Be passionate and creative about food with the ability to inspire others
- Have strong culinary skills and a great eye for food quality and presentation
- Have proven experience leading, coaching and motivating catering teams
- Be confident delivering culinary workshops, demonstrations and food showcases
- Understand how great food, presentation, engagement and promotions can help drive meal uptake
- Have strong organisational and time-management skills
- Understand food costs, stock control, waste management and kitchen budgets
- Have excellent knowledge of Food Hygiene and Health and Safety
- Hold a recognised catering qualification such as City & Guilds, NVQ or equivalent
- Hold a Food Hygiene qualification
- Be confident building strong relationships with clients and customers
- Have a flexible, positive and hands-on approach
- Have access to their own transport and be able to travel between sites throughout the Newport area
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced catering professional who wants to make a real impact across multiple sites. With a £37,000 salary and Monday to Friday working pattern, you'll have the opportunity to combine operational leadership with your passion for food, supporting our teams to develop their skills and helping us create food experiences that customers genuinely want to come back for.
If you're a passionate chef and people leader who enjoys developing teams, driving meal uptake and bringing food to life through culinary workshops and showcases, we'd love to hear from you.
Area Chef Manager - Newport employer: Chartwells
Chartwells is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Kitchen Assistant at Manor Infants, you'll enjoy flexible part-time hours while being part of a dedicated team that takes pride in delivering high-quality food. With ample opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to celebrating individuality, Chartwells ensures that every employee feels valued and recognised for their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Chef Manager - Newport
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Area Chef Manager - Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
