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 modern corporate environment while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Previous Chef Manager experience and a passion for fresh food and hospitality.
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 - Contract Catering in Bristol employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer that values both quality food and the people behind it, offering a supportive work culture where Chef Managers can thrive. With a focus on fresh food, outstanding service, and employee development, this role in Bristol provides a perfect blend of leadership opportunities, work-life balance, and a vibrant team environment. Enjoy benefits such as free meals, a contributory pension scheme, and genuine career progression in a prestigious corporate setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Contract Catering in Bristol
✨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 Houston & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 - Contract Catering in Bristol
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 Houston & Hawkes 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 Houston & Hawkes
✨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!
