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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering operation, from menu planning to team management.
- Company: Join Dine Contract Catering, a leader in personalised food services.
- Benefits: Up to £29,000 salary, Monday to Friday hours, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Combine your culinary passion with leadership to create delightful dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong operational skills.
- Other info: Exciting culinary pathways and mentoring for skill development.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31000 £ per year.
Location: Spennymoor, County Durham
Salary: Up to £29,000 per annum (DOE)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday - 7am to 3:30pm
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.
- Manage 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, inspiring others with your energy.
- A strong sense of ownership and ability to manage client relationships.
- Strong financial acumen, understanding P&L, cost control, and business KPIs.
- Excellent communication and people management skills, building trust, leading by example, and bringing 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 by 2030.
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!
Chef Manager - County Durham in Spennymoor employer: Compass
Contact Detail:
Compass Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - County Durham in Spennymoor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research Dine Contract Catering, their values, and their approach to food. 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 and be ready to showcase them! If you get a chance, bring a dish that represents your style and passion for fresh ingredients. It’s a great way to impress them and show you can deliver quality service.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your leadership experience! Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team and managed client relationships. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a great chef but also a strong manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Dine team. Let’s get you that Chef Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - County Durham in Spennymoor
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 quality service.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to inspire others at Dine.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: Since managing budgets and costs is key, include examples of how you've successfully handled P&L or cost control in previous roles. This will show us you understand the business side of catering.
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 with Dine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass
✨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 their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills and ability to inspire others, which is crucial for a Chef Manager role.
✨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 budgets 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 experiences at Dine and share your own stories. This not only shows your interpersonal skills but also your genuine interest in the company culture and client relationships.