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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant café, preparing fresh dishes and managing a close-knit team.
- Company: Award-winning independent caterer with a passion for quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: £41,000 salary, Monday to Friday hours, free meals, and excellent work-life balance.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy and creativity while making a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in café management and a passion for fresh food and customer service.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, development, and recognition in a dynamic workplace.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 41000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity for a hands-on Chef Manager to lead a small, high-quality café operation in Stevenage. Based within a professional client environment, this is a beautifully run site offering freshly made sandwiches, daily bistro-style dishes, hospitality catering, baking and barista coffee. It's a role where quality, consistency and a personal touch make all the difference. Houston & Hawkes are looking for someone who enjoys being fully involved - from preparing food and supporting service to leading a small team and ensuring the site runs smoothly day to day. This is an ideal opportunity for a chef who values autonomy, creativity and a strong work-life balance within a Monday to Friday structure.
THE ROLE
- Leading a small café and hospitality operation with full ownership of standards
- Preparing fresh, high-quality food including sandwiches, daily bistro dishes and baking
- Supporting hospitality requests and client catering needs
- Overseeing barista service and supporting the coffee bar when required
- Managing stock, ordering and day-to-day kitchen operations
- Monitoring food quality, consistency and presentation
- Maintaining excellent hygiene, food safety and compliance standards
- Supporting and developing a small, close-knit team
ABOUT YOU
- Experience managing a café, kitchen or small food operation
- Confident leading a small team in a hands-on environment
- Passion for fresh food, coffee and customer experience
- Flexible and willing to support all areas of the operation, including barista service
- Organised, reliable and proactive in approach
- Experience with stock control, purchasing and budgeting preferred
- Level 3 Food Safety desirable (training can be provided)
WHAT WE OFFER
- £41,000 per annum
- Monday to Friday - excellent work-life balance
- 40 hours per week
- Free meals at work
- Contributory pension and life assurance (2 salary)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Day off on your birthday
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Training, development and progression opportunities
- Membership of CODE Hospitality
ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer, ranked among the Top 30 Best Companies to Work for in Hospitality and a certified B Corp. We are passionate about delivering vibrant, creative and sustainable food and we invest in the talented people who make it happen. A perfect role for a Chef Manager who enjoys quality food, a close-knit team and a well-balanced working week.
Chef Manager in Watford employer: Houston and Hawkes
Contact Detail:
Houston and Hawkes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Houston & Hawkes' social media and website. Understanding their vibe will help you connect during the chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since this role is all about quality food and hands-on management, be ready to discuss your culinary experiences. Maybe even whip up a signature dish to share during your interview – it’ll definitely impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Be prepared to talk about how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated staff or improved service – it’ll highlight your fit for managing a close-knit team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! When you get the chance, inquire about their approach to sustainability or how they support staff development. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re keen on growing with Houston & Hawkes.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh food and quality service shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Chef Manager role. Mention your experience in managing a café or kitchen and how it aligns with what we’re looking for at Houston & Hawkes.
Highlight Team Leadership Skills: We want to know about your experience leading a small team! Include examples of how you've supported and developed your team members in past positions, as this is key to our close-knit environment.
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 fantastic opportunity with Houston & Hawkes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston and Hawkes
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with the types of dishes and beverages that Houston & Hawkes offers. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes or how you would enhance their menu. This shows your passion for fresh food and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a small team in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you motivate others. This will demonstrate that you can manage the café operation effectively while maintaining a close-knit team environment.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Standards
Since food safety is crucial, be prepared to discuss your experience with hygiene practices and compliance standards. If you have Level 3 Food Safety certification, mention it! If not, express your willingness to undergo training and your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company culture. Inquire about their approach to sustainability in food sourcing or how they support staff development. This will reflect your enthusiasm for being part of their team.