At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering operation, from menu planning to team management.
- Company: Join Dine Contract Catering, a leader in personalised food services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and culinary pathways for skill development.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a supportive workplace 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.
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 Staindrop employer: Compass Group
Dine Contract Catering is an exceptional employer located in Spennymoor, County Durham, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and teamwork. With a commitment to employee growth through culinary pathways and mentoring, we empower our Chef Managers to lead with passion while delivering outstanding service. Our focus on sustainability and local sourcing not only enhances the dining experience but also fosters a sense of community, making Dine a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - County Durham in Staindrop
✨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 in landing that Chef Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish to share or offer to do a demo. This is a great way to showcase your culinary flair and passion for fresh food right from the start.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your leadership style. Dine wants someone who can inspire a team, so think of examples where you've motivated others or turned a tough situation around. We love to hear those stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check our website for any updates or additional roles. Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also keeps you in the loop about exciting opportunities within Dine!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - County Durham in Staindrop
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh ingredients and culinary creativity shine through. We want to see how you can bring that passion into the role and inspire your team!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to showcase your experience in leading teams and managing client relationships. We’re looking for someone who can motivate others and create a positive atmosphere in the kitchen.
Be Clear About Your Experience:Detail your previous roles and responsibilities, especially if you've worked as a Head Chef or Chef Manager. We want to know how your operational experience will help us deliver top-notch service.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with Dine Contract Catering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Chef Manager, you'll need to impress with your culinary knowledge. Research seasonal ingredients and be ready to discuss how you would create menus that delight clients while being cost-effective. Show them your passion for fresh food!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about times when you motivated your staff or resolved conflicts. This role requires strong leadership, so be ready to showcase your ability to inspire and manage a team.
✨Understand Financials Like a Pro
Brush up on your financial acumen before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you manage food costs, margins, and budgets. They’ll want to see that you can handle P&L statements and understand business KPIs, so come armed with examples.
✨Build Rapport with Clients
Since client relationships are key, think about how you would approach building strong connections. Prepare to share experiences where you exceeded client expectations or handled feedback effectively. Show them you can deliver service with an impact!
