At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create unforgettable dining experiences for guests.
- Company: Join a premium restaurant known for culinary excellence and immersive guest interactions.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous holiday allowance, and complimentary meals on shift.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cooking with guest engagement in a vibrant culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Chef de Partie or similar role in a high-end kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
This is not a traditional restaurant or kitchen role. As a Service Lead, you'll be an experienced chef who thrives both in the kitchen and in front of guests. Working alongside the Chef Manager, you'll help lead a small brigade delivering exceptional food while creating an immersive dining experience through direct guest interaction. You'll prepare, finish and present dishes, explain the inspiration behind each course, lead service, support the wider team and ensure every guest receives an unforgettable experience. Everyone within The Residency is a chef first. You'll move seamlessly between the kitchen, the pass and the dining room, leading by example and setting the standard for culinary excellence and hospitality.
Day to Day Responsibilities
- Leadership
- Support the Chef Manager in leading, motivating and developing the brigade.
- Lead service in the Chef Manager's absence.
- Coach and mentor junior chefs, maintaining exceptional standards across the team.
- Promote a collaborative, positive and high-performance kitchen culture.
- Culinary Excellence
- Deliver exceptional dishes to Michelin-inspired standards.
- Ensure consistency, quality and attention to detail throughout every service.
- Support menu development, testing and seasonal menu changes.
- Maintain exceptional standards of food safety, cleanliness and organisation.
- Guest Experience
- Present dishes directly to guests with confidence and personality.
- Explain ingredients, cooking techniques and the story behind each course.
- Create memorable guest interactions that enhance the overall dining experience.
- Respond professionally to guest feedback and dietary requirements.
- Operations
- Support stock control, ordering and waste management.
- Maintain excellent food safety and allergen compliance.
- Work closely with the Chef Manager to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Collaborate with colleagues across both kitchen and guest-facing service to deliver a seamless experience.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Proven experience as a Senior Chef de Partie, Junior Sous Chef, Sous Chef or equivalent within a premium restaurant, luxury hotel, Michelin-starred or Rosette environment.
- Experience leading or supervising a team during service.
- Outstanding culinary skills with exceptional attention to detail and presentation.
- Genuine passion for hospitality and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
- Confidence engaging directly with guests and presenting dishes professionally.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen legislation.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event days.
Desirable
- Experience within Michelin-starred or multi-Rosette kitchens.
- Experience in an open kitchen, chef's table or immersive dining concept.
- Experience supporting menu development and seasonal menu planning.
- Knowledge of stock management, ordering and GP control.
- Formal culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- Experience working alongside a Chef Patron or Executive Chef within a high-performance kitchen.
Why Join Us?
- Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) – including Virtual GP access and rewards
- Group Life Assurance – 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
- Birthday Day Off – an extra day to celebrate
- Complimentary Meals on Shift – breakfast, lunch, fruit and hot drinks
- Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform – including counselling support
- Company Pension Scheme
- Generous Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays
- Career Development Opportunities – with progression across the campus
Service Lead in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Eastlands Venue Services Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and vibrant work environment in the heart of Manchester. With a strong focus on teamwork and employee well-being, we provide benefits such as private medical insurance and a generous holiday allowance, ensuring our staff feel valued and supported. Join us to grow your skills in a fast-paced hospitality setting where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional development.
Contact Details:
Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead in Manchester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Eastlands Venue Services Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Eastlands Venue Services Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Eastlands Venue Services Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastlands Venue Services Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
