At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-volume kitchen, serving fresh, quality food for up to 600 guests daily.
- Company: Join Gather & Gather, a community-focused hospitality leader at Luton Airport.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, personal development, health support, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an energetic team that elevates the fan experience with creative cuisine.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary background and leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Gather & Gather Stadia, we specialise in hospitality for community-focused sports venues, delivering locally inspired, high-quality food and drink that elevates both the fan and guest experience and drives lasting impact. We take a boutique approach: combining personalised service, strong local partnerships and menus built around fresh, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the unique character of every stadium and its community. We're proud to bring energy, creativity, and care to every match day and event - and we're looking for a Chef Manager to join our team in Luton Airport.
Location: Luton Airport, LU2 9PF
Rate of Pay: £42,000 - £45,000 per annum depending on experience
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 15:30pm
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the day-to-day kitchen operation, delivering fresh, high-quality food with excellent presentation and service for up to 500-600 covers daily.
- Oversee catering within a busy staff restaurant for a leading budget airline, providing varied and appealing food to support a diverse workforce.
- Report into the Senior Chef Manager and Operations Manager, contributing to the overall success of the site.
- Inspire, lead and develop a team of 5-6 chefs, creating a positive, motivated and high-performing kitchen culture.
- Plan and manage rotas effectively to ensure full service coverage, while monitoring labour hours in line with regulations and business needs.
- Take full ownership of stock control, including regular stock takes, ordering, waste management and cost control to drive strong GP performance.
- Drive clear communication within the team through regular briefings, ensuring smooth daily operations and consistent service standards.
Our Ideal Candidate:
- A strong culinary background with a flair for modern European cuisine, including deli and coffee bar experience.
- A confident, customer-facing leader who builds strong relationships and thrives in a people-focused environment.
- Commercially minded, with solid financial awareness and experience managing food costs and labour budgets.
- A positive, proactive and solutions-driven approach, with the ability to stay calm and organised in a fast-paced setting.
What's in it for you?
- Working with Gather and Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Lead Chef Manager - High-Volume Airport Kitchen in Luton employer: Job Search Place Limited
Gather & Gather is an exceptional employer, particularly for those passionate about culinary excellence in a vibrant airport setting. With a strong focus on personal development, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer a range of benefits including training opportunities, health support, and a positive team environment that fosters growth and creativity. Join us at Luton Airport, where your contributions will not only enhance the guest experience but also make a lasting impact within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Chef Manager - High-Volume Airport Kitchen in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in high-volume kitchens. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary flair. This not only demonstrates your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire, like Gather & Gather. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and could put you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and menu offerings. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and community engagement. We want to see your passion shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Chef Manager - High-Volume Airport Kitchen in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create high-quality dishes that elevate the dining experience.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Lead Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and created a positive kitchen culture.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Tailor your application by including specific examples of your experience in high-volume kitchens. Mention any relevant achievements, like managing food costs or improving service standards, to show us you're the right fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the culinary trends and local ingredients that resonate with the community. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into your menus, showcasing your creativity and understanding of modern European cuisine.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your approach to inspiring and developing chefs, as well as how you maintain a positive kitchen culture, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Master the Numbers
Brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing food costs, labour budgets, and stock control. Showing that you can drive strong GP performance will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
Demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you ensure smooth operations through regular briefings and clear instructions. Share specific instances where effective communication led to improved service standards in your previous roles.
