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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: Competitive salary, career growth, and culinary pathways for skill development.
- Why this job: Make an impact with fresh, sustainable food while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a supportive work environment.
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.
- 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 personalized 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 employer: Dine Contract Catering
Contact Detail:
Dine Contract Catering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - County Durham
✨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 connect with the interviewers 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 the kitchen, be ready to showcase your culinary talents. Maybe even prepare a signature dish that reflects your style and passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a great way to impress during any practical assessments!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership chops! Be prepared to discuss how you've motivated teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've built strong relationships with clients and led your team to deliver exceptional service. This will highlight your ability to manage both people and operations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate why you’d be a great fit for the Chef Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - County Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're 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 – we want to see your passion!
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 Dine.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: Since managing budgets and costs is key in this role, don’t forget to mention your experience with P&L and cost control. We’re looking for someone who can run the kitchen like a business, so show us you’ve got the numbers down!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about our culture and benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dine Contract Catering
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Chef Manager, you'll need to impress with your culinary knowledge. Research the types of dishes that Dine Contract Catering typically offers and be ready to discuss how you would enhance their menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Show them your passion for food!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to deliver excellent service. Be ready to share your vision for leading a kitchen.
✨Understand Financials Like a Pro
Brush up on your financial acumen, especially around P&L, cost control, and business KPIs. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles and how you plan to maintain profitability while delivering high-quality service.
✨Build Rapport with Clients
Client relationships are key in this role. Think of ways you've exceeded client expectations in the past and be ready to share those stories. Show that you understand the importance of communication and building trust with clients and guests alike.