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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering operation, from menu planning to team management and client relations.
- Company: Join Dine Contract Catering, a leader in personalised food services with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and culinary pathways for skill development.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cooking with leadership to create delightful dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong operational and financial skills.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse culture that values your unique talents and promotes personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 31320 - 31320 £ per year.
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.
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’s why our menus feature only locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with a target of reaching Climate Zero.
#DINECompass 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 in Hamsterley employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - County Durham in Hamsterley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even friends who might know someone at Dine. A personal connection can make all the difference when it comes to landing that Chef Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in a practical way! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This gives you the opportunity to showcase your culinary talents and leadership style directly to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Dine's values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering outstanding service and sustainability in food sourcing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - County Durham in Hamsterley
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. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or how you've used seasonal produce in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in motivating and developing others. Talk about how you've inspired your team to deliver excellent service and how you handle challenges.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: Since managing budgets and costs is key in this role, include any relevant experience you have with P&L statements, cost control, or financial planning. Show us that you can run the kitchen like a business!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored to the role at Dine Contract Catering. Use keywords from the job description and explain how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
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 Dine's commitment to sustainability and quality. This shows your passion for fresh food and your understanding of the role.
✨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 Financials Like a Pro
Brush up on your knowledge of P&L statements, cost control, and business KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed food costs and labour in previous roles. This will highlight your strong financial acumen, which is crucial for the Chef Manager position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance
Familiarise yourself with food safety and health & safety regulations. Prepare to talk about how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations. This will show that you take these standards seriously and can maintain high-quality service across the board.