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 Oxford 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 unique chance to lead a passionate team while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Oxford
✨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 open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for fresh food! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, share your ideas about seasonal menus or innovative dining experiences. Let them see your creativity and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Houston & Hawkes' values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their commitment to quality and exceptional service.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at Houston & Hawkes.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Oxford
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 Houston & Hawkes typically use. Being able to discuss your favourite seasonal ingredients or how you would elevate a classic dish can really impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Chef Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your approach to motivating staff and maintaining a positive kitchen culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen
Since managing budgets and stock control is part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring specific examples of how you’ve optimised costs while maintaining quality, as this will show your commercial mindset.
✨Engage with Their Values
Houston & Hawkes values exceptional food and service. Research their ethos and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Showing genuine passion for fresh food and customer service will resonate well with the interviewers.
