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: Earn up to £30,108, enjoy weekdays only, and access culinary pathways.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cooking with leadership in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operational skills.
- Other info: Embrace sustainability and local sourcing while growing your culinary career.
The predicted salary is between 25100 - 30900 £ per year.
Location: Solihull, Birmingham
Salary: Up to £30,108 per annum, depending on experience
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm
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. This site provides a breakfast, lunch and hospitality service for our client. 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 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.
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.
#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 - Solihull employer: Dine Contract Catering
Contact Detail:
Dine Contract Catering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Solihull
✨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 sustainability, 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 ideas up your sleeve 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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining the Dine family. So, get your application in and let’s get cooking!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Solihull
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. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or how you've used seasonal produce in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in managing and motivating others. Talk about how you've inspired your team to deliver excellent service and any successful projects you've led.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: Don’t forget to mention your understanding of P&L, cost control, and budgeting. Use concrete examples from your past experiences to show how you've managed food costs and maximised profits while maintaining quality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dine Contract Catering
✨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 the company’s commitment to sustainability and quality. This shows your passion for fresh food and aligns with their values.
✨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. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to inspire others will resonate well with them.
✨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 demonstrate your strong financial acumen and ability to run the operation with commercial precision.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
During the interview, take the time to connect with your interviewers. Ask questions about their experiences and the company culture. Showing genuine interest in their insights can help you build a positive relationship, which is crucial for a role that involves client relationships.