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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering operation, from menu planning to team management.
- Company: Join 14forty, a vibrant part of Compass Group UK&I.
- Benefits: Up to £30,000 salary, flexible hours, and exciting culinary pathways.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your culinary skills while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and grow your career in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Fixed Term Chef Manager
Contract: End of November to end of July - potential to extend further
Location: Pontefract
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum, depending on experience (pro-rota)
Working Pattern: Flexible between 6am and 4pm, 5 days over 7
We’re looking for a Chef Manager who can do more than cook. 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 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’s a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.
For more information about careers at 14forty and our benefits please visit: Careers at 14forty
Compass Group UK&I wants everyone in our business to feel able to be themselves at work and to have an equal opportunity to progress their career. We want to create a culture where we respect and embrace everyone's talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities. Where our colleagues feel valued, can reach their full potential, and thrive - Diversity is Our Strength!
Fixed Term Chef Manager - Pontefract employer: Compass
Contact Detail:
Compass Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fixed Term Chef Manager - Pontefract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend local food events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a tasting event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table—literally!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like 14forty, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest experiences and connect with industry professionals. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Chef Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Fixed Term Chef Manager - Pontefract
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 that you’re not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys the art of cooking and delivering exceptional service.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to inspire others at our site.
Be Clear About Your Financial Acumen: Since managing budgets and food costs is key in this role, don’t shy away from discussing your experience with P&L and cost control. We want to know how you’ve successfully managed finances in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with various menu items and seasonal ingredients. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would innovate or improve them. This shows your passion for fresh food and your ability to think creatively in the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to deliver excellent service. This will demonstrate your strong communication and leadership skills, which are crucial for the Chef Manager role.
✨Understand Financials Like a Pro
Brush up on your knowledge of P&L statements, cost control, and budgeting. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed food costs and labour in previous roles. This will highlight your financial acumen and show that you can run the catering operation with commercial precision.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask questions about their expectations and share your ideas on how to exceed client needs. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also your ability to foster strong relationships, which is key in this position.
