At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering fresh, seasonal food and exceptional customer service.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, development, and genuine career progression await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a stunning corporate environment while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Previous Chef Manager experience and a passion for fresh food and customer service.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 46000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity for an experienced Chef Manager to lead one of Houston & Hawkes' most established sites in Bristol. Set within a stunning modern corporate environment, this site has an excellent client relationship, a passionate team, and a fresh food culture at its heart. It's the kind of operation where quality is genuinely valued, people are supported to succeed, and hospitality professionals can take real pride in what they deliver every day.
Houston & Hawkes are seeking a passionate and commercially minded Chef Manager to take ownership of both the kitchen and front of house operation. Leading a dedicated team, you will be responsible for maintaining outstanding standards, developing your people, and ensuring every guest experience reflects the quality and professionalism that Houston & Hawkes is known for.
With fresh food prepared daily, hospitality and events, and a client that genuinely values quality catering, this role offers the perfect balance of leadership, creativity, and work-life balance.
THE ROLE- Leading and inspiring both the kitchen and front of house teams
- Managing the day-to-day operation of a successful workplace restaurant and hospitality service
- Delivering fresh, seasonal food to the highest standards
- Overseeing hospitality and event catering requirements
- Driving food quality, presentation, and customer experience across all services
- Building and maintaining excellent client relationships
- Managing budgets, stock control, purchasing, and financial performance
- Completing bookwork, reporting, and administrative responsibilities
- Ensuring exceptional food safety, allergen management, and compliance standards
- Creating a positive, engaged, and high-performing team culture
- Previous Chef Manager experience within contract catering, hospitality, or workplace dining
- Experience managing both kitchen and front of house teams
- A genuine passion for fresh food and exceptional customer service
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Confident managing budgets, purchasing, and stock control
- Strong allergen management and food safety knowledge
- Computer literate and comfortable with reporting, ordering, and administration systems
- Organised, professional, and able to lead by example
- A proactive, hands-on approach with a desire to continuously improve standards
- £46,000 per annum
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- Excellent work-life balance
- Free meals at work
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance at two times salary
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Day off on your birthday
- Membership of CODE Hospitality
- Summer & Christmas parties
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Enhanced family-friendly benefits
- Training, development, and genuine career progression opportunities
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer and certified B Corp, recently ranked No. 14 in the Top 30 Best Companies to Work for in Hospitality. We are passionate about exceptional food, outstanding service, and creating workplaces where talented people can build rewarding careers. Our teams operate within some of the UK's most prestigious corporate environments, delivering vibrant, creative, and sustainable hospitality experiences every day.
If you're looking for a Chef Manager role that combines a fantastic client, a great team, fresh food, and genuine work-life balance, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
Chef Manager in Ipswich employer: Houston and Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer that prioritises both quality food and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for a Chef Manager to thrive. With a focus on employee growth, the company offers extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a generous benefits package that includes free meals, a contributory pension scheme, and enhanced family-friendly benefits. Set in a stunning corporate environment in Bristol, this role provides a perfect blend of leadership, creativity, and work-life balance, allowing you to take pride in delivering outstanding hospitality experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know someone at Houston & Hawkes. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two to share during an informal meet-up or interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for fresh food and exceptional service.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture! Dive into Houston & Hawkes’ values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Houston & Hawkes family!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh food and exceptional service shine through. We want to see that you’re not just a Chef Manager, but someone who genuinely cares about the quality of what you serve and the experience you create for guests.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to emphasise your experience in leading both kitchen and front of house teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so share examples of how you've developed your team and maintained high standards in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us see how you fit into our vibrant team at Houston & Hawkes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston and Hawkes
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and ingredients that are popular in fresh food catering. Be ready to discuss your favourite seasonal ingredients and how you would incorporate them into the menu. This shows your passion for food and your ability to create exciting dishes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen or front of house team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your strong leadership skills and your ability to build a positive team culture.
✨Understand Client Relationships
Research Houston & Hawkes and their approach to client relationships. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain and build these relationships in your role as Chef Manager. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve successfully managed client expectations and delivered exceptional service.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect practical questions related to budget management, stock control, and food safety. Brush up on your knowledge of allergen management and compliance standards, as these are crucial in the role. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will show that you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable.
