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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, mentoring, and culinary qualifications.
- 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 26300 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Spennymoor, County Durham
Salary: Up to £31,320 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 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 - Spennymoor employer: Dine Contract Catering
Contact Detail:
Dine Contract Catering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Spennymoor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the catering industry. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Dine. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any successful catering events you've managed. This is your chance to visually demonstrate your passion for fresh food and high-quality service delivery. Bring it along to interviews or share it online!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Dine’s values and recent projects. Understand their commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. When you show that you’re aligned with their mission, it’ll make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Dine team. So, get your application in and let’s get cooking!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Spennymoor
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. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about the quality of food and service.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles – we love to see that!
Be Clear About Your Financial Acumen: Since managing budgets and costs is key in this role, don’t shy away from discussing your financial skills. Talk about your experience with P&L, cost control, and how you’ve successfully managed food margins in the past.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
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 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 budgeting. Be ready 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 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 insights. This not only shows your interest in the company but also demonstrates your ability to build strong relationships, which is key for this role.