At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering operation, from menu planning to team management.
- Company: Join Dine, a passionate team focused on sustainability and local sourcing.
- Benefits: Enjoy weekdays only, culinary pathways, and opportunities for recognised qualifications.
- Why this job: Make an impact with fresh, seasonal food while leading a motivated team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and personal growth in your career.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Chef Manager who can do more than cook to join our Dine team in Blackburn. This is a role for a hands-on leader who is as confident at the stove as they are in a client meeting, someone who understands how to run a business, manage a team, and deliver food that delights. As the heartbeat of the site, you will oversee every aspect of the catering operation, from menu planning and team leadership to client relationships, budgets, compliance, and service delivery. You will cook with passion, lead with purpose, and run the outlet like it is your own.
Dine provides tailored food services to 140 clients in the business and industry sector. With over two decades of industry experience, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised approach to our clients, whilst delivering outstanding service. Our passion lies in creating great-tasting menus, promoting sustainability, and proudly working with local suppliers and communities. That is why our menus feature only locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with a target of reaching Climate Zero by 2030.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance to front of house.
- Lead, develop and motivate your team to deliver excellent service every day.
- Manage food costs, margins, waste and labour with commercial precision.
- Build strong relationships with our clients and guests, understanding their needs, exceeding expectations and delivering service with an impact.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company standards at all times.
- Drive consistency and quality across the kitchen and wider catering operation.
What You Will Bring to the Table:
- Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operational experience.
- A passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high-quality service delivery.
- Great communication and leadership skills; you inspire others with your energy.
- A strong sense of ownership and ability to manage client relationships.
- Strong financial acumen; you understand P&L, cost control, and business KPIs.
- Excellent communication and people management skills; you build trust, lead by example, and bring out the best in your team.
Hungry for more? We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real-time mentoring, hands-on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it is a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.
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 - Blackburn employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Dine Contract Catering. Understand their values, especially their commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. This will help you connect with them during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! As a Chef Manager, you'll need to inspire your team. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or improved service delivery. Be ready to share these stories in your interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! You might be asked about managing budgets or food costs. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've handled similar challenges in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Dine team. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through. Talk about your culinary experiences and how they align with our commitment to great-tasting menus and sustainability.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you lead and motivate a team! Share examples of how you've inspired others in the kitchen or managed client relationships. This is your chance to show us that you can run the operation like it's your own.
Be Financially Savvy: Since managing food costs and budgets is key, make sure to mention your experience with P&L and cost control. We’re looking for someone who understands the numbers behind the kitchen, so don’t shy away from showcasing your financial acumen.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board with our Dine team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with seasonal ingredients and local suppliers. Be ready to discuss how you would create a menu that aligns with Dine's commitment to sustainability and quality. This shows your passion for fresh food and your understanding of their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team or improved service delivery. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire others and manage client relationships effectively.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your financial acumen, especially around P&L, cost control, and business KPIs. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage food costs and waste while ensuring high-quality service. This will highlight your operational experience and commercial precision.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask questions about their experiences and share your own insights. This not only shows your communication skills but also your genuine interest in the role and the company culture.