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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering operation, from menu planning to team management.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, culinary pathways, mentoring, and recognised qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and personal development in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for food with leadership in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 31320 - 31320 £ per year.
Job Introduction
Location: Spennymoor, County Durham
Salary: Up to £31,320 per annum (DOE)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
This role includes working 4 days at site and 1 day per week supporting other sites within the region. Therefore a driving licence and access to a vehicle is required. This would be the perfect role for someone looking to get into an area support role in the future.
We're looking for a Chef Manager who can do more than cook to join our Dine team in Spennymoor. This is a role for a hands-on leader who's 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'll oversee every aspect of the catering operation, from menu planning and team leadership to client relationships, budgets, compliance, and service delivery. You'll cook with passion, lead with purpose, and run the outlet like it's your own.
What You'll 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.
- Managing 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'll bring to the table:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager 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's 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 - County Durham 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 - County Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, or even pop into restaurants to chat with chefs. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gives you a chance to impress potential employers but also helps you build a portfolio of your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest. A well-timed email can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to kitchen management and client relations. We want to see your passion and how you handle real-life situations, so be ready to share your experiences and ideas!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - County Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh ingredients and culinary creativity shine through. We want to see how your passion translates into your cooking and leadership style!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in motivating and developing others. Share examples of how you've inspired your team to deliver excellent service.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: We’re looking for someone who understands the business side of catering. Include any relevant experience with managing budgets, food costs, and P&L statements to show us you can run the operation like a pro.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the role. Use keywords from the job description and relate your experiences to what we’re looking for. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get noticed!
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 the types of dishes and ingredients that are popular in the area. Be ready to discuss your favourite seasonal ingredients and how you would incorporate them into a menu that delights clients.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to deliver excellent service. This role is all about inspiring others, so let your passion shine through!
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you manage food costs, waste, and labour. You might be asked about P&L statements or how you ensure profitability while maintaining quality, so have some examples ready.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this isn’t just about your skills; it’s also about fit. Engage with your interviewers, ask questions about their experiences, and show genuine interest in the company culture. Building a connection can set you apart from other candidates.