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- Tasks: Lead the catering operation, from menu planning to client relationships and service delivery.
- Company: Dine Contract Catering, known for personalised food services and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, culinary pathways, mentoring, and recognised qualifications.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cooking with leadership in a vibrant, impactful role.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operational skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to sustainability and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 25034 - 35047 £ per year.
We ensure you\’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- 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
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Please note: This role is contracted to 46 weeks per year
What you\’ll be doing:
As a Chef Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring our kitchens and service counters run smoothly and helping to deliver truly incredible food experiences. In return, you\’ll have the opportunity to progress your catering career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.
More about the role:
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing delicious food to the highest standards
- Supervising our culinary and catering teams to ensure we continue to deliver impeccable food and customer service
- Overseeing the efficiency of all in‑unit catering operations, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans
- Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and targets
- Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
- Identifying opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales
- Liaising between customers and our culinary and service teams to ensure we continue to exceed expectations
- Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to make sure everyone can excel in their role
- Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service
Who you are:
Our ideal Chef Manager will:
- Be passionate about great-tasting food and exceptional customer service
- Have a minimum of two years of catering experience
- Have experience managing teams in a similar role
- Hold an NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
- Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate
- Demonstrate brilliant financial acumen
- Have excellent communication and organisational skills
- Be an ambitious and motivated individual who is always looking to upskill
About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children’s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
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!
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Chef Manager employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager
✨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 lead a team and manage client relationships. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past and how you’ve built strong client connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle food costs, compliance, and service delivery. Practise your answers so you can demonstrate your financial acumen and operational experience confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role and leave a positive impression. Plus, it shows you’re proactive, which is always a bonus!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary creativity and commitment to high-quality service delivery.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you’ll need to lead with purpose. Make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, showcasing your ability to inspire and motivate others.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: Since managing food costs and budgets is key, don’t shy away from mentioning your experience with P&L, cost control, and business KPIs. This will show us that you understand the financial side of running a catering operation.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 not only delights clients but also aligns with sustainability goals. This shows your passion for fresh food and your understanding of the business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chef Manager, you’ll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed a kitchen or catering operation in the past. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with clients and guests, as well as how you handle challenges in a hands-on manner.
✨Understand Financials Like a Pro
Brush up on your financial acumen, especially around P&L, cost control, and business KPIs. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed food costs and waste in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commercial precision and readiness to oversee the full catering operation.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Safety
Make sure you can talk about your experience with food safety and health regulations. Discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and how you’ve trained your team to maintain high standards. This is crucial for any Chef Manager role and shows your commitment to quality service delivery.
