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: Competitive salary, weekdays only, and opportunities for culinary growth.
- 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: Exciting pathways for career development and a supportive, diverse work culture.
The predicted salary is between 25500 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Blackburn
Salary: Up to £28,500 per annum (DOE)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (Closed bank holidays and all over Christmas)
We are looking for a Chef Manager who can do more than cook to join our Dineteam 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’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.
- 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’ll 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.
For more information about careers at Dine Contract Catering and our benefits please visit: Careers at Dine Contract Catering.
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
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Blackburn
✨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, and don’t be shy to reach out to fellow chefs or managers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨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 demonstrates your cooking prowess but also your ability to manage an operation. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by potential employers!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you’re reaching out to potential employers, make sure to highlight your leadership skills and financial acumen. They want to see that you can run a kitchen like a business, so share examples of how you’ve managed budgets or improved service delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team. Make sure to check out the careers section on our site for the latest opportunities and apply directly. It shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of our Dine family!
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. We want to see that you’re not just about cooking, but also about creating delightful experiences for our clients.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Tell us about times you've motivated your team or improved service delivery – we love hearing about your successes!
Be Financially Savvy: Don’t forget to mention your understanding of P&L and cost control. We’re looking for someone who can manage budgets with precision, so share any relevant experience you have in this area.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨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 reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and manage client relationships, as this role requires strong communication and leadership skills.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you manage food costs, margins, and budgets. Showing that you understand P&L and business KPIs will demonstrate your operational expertise.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Food
Let your enthusiasm for fresh, high-quality food shine through. Share your experiences with menu planning and how you ensure consistency and quality in service delivery, as this is key to impressing the interviewers.