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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 Tow Law 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 Tow Law
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Dine Contract Catering. Understand their values, their approach to food, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since this role is all about leading a kitchen, be ready to showcase your culinary talents. You might be asked to whip up a dish or discuss your favourite recipes, so have a few go-to meals in mind that highlight your passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Be prepared to talk about how you motivate and develop your team. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships with clients and guests, and how you’ve managed to exceed their expectations. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a great chef, but also a fantastic manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, make sure to ask about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how they measure success. This shows that you’re thinking ahead and are eager to contribute to the business. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - County Durham in Tow Law
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 you can bring that passion to our team and delight our clients with your cooking.
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 and achieve great results.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: We’re looking for someone who understands the business side of catering. Include details about your experience with managing budgets, food costs, and P&L statements to show us you can run the operation like it’s your own.
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 get to know you better. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there!
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 for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, like managing waste or ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your operational experience and problem-solving skills, showing that you can run the catering operation smoothly.