At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create nutritious meals in a supportive care environment.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in the food service industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- Other info: Ongoing support and career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact through food while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 32900 £ per year.
Salary: 32,900 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week (mostly Monday-Friday)
Shift Pattern: Typically 07:00 - 15:00 (flexibility available depending on business needs)
We're looking for a passionate and experienced Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team at Meadow View in Maidstone. This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who enjoys a great work-life balance, with mainly Monday to Friday daytime hours, while still making a real difference through food.
You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and comforting meals to residents, creating a dining experience that truly enhances their day.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading the day-to-day running of the kitchen and setting high standards
- Planning, preparing, and delivering fresh, nutritious meals tailored to residents' needs
- Managing and developing your kitchen team, creating a positive, supportive culture
- Overseeing stock control, ordering, and budget management
- Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety, Hygiene, and Health & Safety regulations
- Designing menus that are both appealing and suitable for a variety of dietary requirements
- Maintaining excellent presentation and consistency across all meals
What we're looking for:
- Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager, ideally within care, healthcare, or hospitality
- A strong leader who can motivate and develop a team
- Passion for delivering high-quality food with a focus on nutrition and care
- Good organisational and financial management skills (stock, budgeting, ordering)
- Knowledge of food safety and compliance standards
- Flexible, reliable, and hands-on approach
What's in it for you:
- 32,900 salary
- Predominantly Monday-Friday, daytime hours for great work-life balance
- Flexibility on shift patterns to support your lifestyle
- A rewarding role in a caring, people-focused environment
- Opportunity to lead your own kitchen and make a real impact
- Ongoing support and career development
This role is perfect for a Chef Manager looking to step into a stable, rewarding environment where you can combine leadership, creativity, and purpose-while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year.
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
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 - Maidstone employer: ESS
Chartwells Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises growth and excellence in the education catering sector. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering outstanding food and hospitality experiences, you will find ample opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact across educational institutions. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also fosters a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Maidstone
✨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 ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS 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 Chef Manager - Maidstone
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 ESS 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 ESS
✨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!
