At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create delicious, high-quality food.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer committed to sustainability and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, a contributory pension scheme, and enhanced family-friendly support.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, 7am-3:30pm, in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Experience a vibrant work culture with opportunities for professional growth and creativity.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, previous chef and management experience, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58800 £ per year.
Camden Town, London | £46,000 per annum | Monday–Friday
Houston & Hawkes are excited to be recruiting for an experienced Chef Manager to lead one of our prestigious corporate catering contracts in Camden Town.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a passionate and people-focused Chef Manager who thrives within a professional corporate environment and is confident delivering exceptional food and hospitality experiences.
You will be responsible for overseeing the entire onsite catering operation, leading a talented team, maintaining high standards and creating a welcoming food experience for clients and guests every day.
If you are looking for a role with genuine work-life balance, creativity, autonomy and progression within an award‑winning independent caterer, we would love to hear from you.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing the day-to-day operation of a busy corporate café and hospitality service
- Leading, training and motivating the onsite catering team
- Preparing fresh, high-quality food and bakery items
- Creating seasonal menus and engaging food concepts
- Building strong relationships with clients and customers
- Managing stock control, ordering and food waste
- Completing weekly reports and operational administration
- Maintaining exceptional food hygiene and health & safety standards
- Ensuring consistently high presentation and service standards
- Representing the Houston & Hawkes brand with professionalism and energy
What We’re Looking For
- Previous Chef Manager experience within hospitality or corporate catering
- Strong fresh food background and genuine passion for food
- Experience managing teams within a busy catering environment
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Confident managing client relationships
- Strong organisational and planning abilities
- Knowledge of Food Safety and Allergen regulations
- A proactive and professional approach
- Passion for delivering exceptional customer service
What We Offer
- £46,000 per annum
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- 40 hours per week, 7:00am–3:30pm
- No weekends
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced family-friendly benefits
- Birthday day off
- Membership to CODE Hospitality
- Company events, recognition schemes and people awards
- Ongoing training, development and genuine career progression
About Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer and certified B Corp, recognised as one of the Top 30 Best Companies to Work for in Hospitality.
We are known for creating vibrant, creative and sustainable food experiences across London and the South East, with a strong focus on people, culture and quality.
Our teams are passionate, ambitious and proud of what they do — and we invest heavily in the people who make our business exceptional.
Apply now to join a company where great food, people and culture come first.
Chef Manager in Camden Town employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and professional growth. Located in the heart of Camden Town, our Chef Manager role provides not only a competitive salary of £42,000 per annum but also a range of benefits including free meals, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for training and development. Join us to be part of an award-winning team that values excellence and sustainability in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Camden Town
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in contract catering. Attend local food events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in food service.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Houston & Hawkes thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the type of cuisine they focus on. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your management style and how you handle team dynamics. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team and improved service quality in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on food safety regulations and allergen awareness. Being knowledgeable in these areas not only demonstrates your professionalism but also shows that you prioritise the health and safety of customers and staff.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Camden Town
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in management and culinary skills. Emphasise any previous roles where you led a team or managed a kitchen, as well as your ability to create high-quality food.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and coffee. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership abilities and how you can contribute to Houston & Hawkes' mission of providing excellent service.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as food safety awareness, organisational skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Use examples from your past work to illustrate these skills.
Show Enthusiasm for the Company:Research Houston & Hawkes and mention what excites you about their approach to catering. Discuss their commitment to sustainability and how you align with their values in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston & Hawkes
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a Chef Manager, your love for food and coffee should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and how you stay updated with food trends. This will demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
✨Highlight Your Management Experience
Since this role requires previous management experience, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team in a kitchen environment. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate your team to achieve excellence.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The ability to manage a café or restaurant effectively is crucial. Prepare to talk about how you handle stocktaking, ordering supplies, and maintaining cleanliness. Providing examples of how you've managed these tasks in the past will show your capability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or resolve conflicts in the kitchen. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
