At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small catering team and create delicious breakfast and lunch menus.
- Company: Join a busy catering operation in the heart of Marlow.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, consistent hours, and no late nights or weekends.
- Other info: Opportunity for autonomy and input into menu planning in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food offerings while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or similar role with strong cooking and leadership skills.
Location: Marlow
Salary: £35,000–£42,000 depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am–4:30pm
We’re looking for an experienced and hands-on Head Chef Manager to join a busy catering operation in Marlow. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves food and enjoys leading a small team, but is looking for consistent Monday-to-Friday daytime hours without the usual late nights and regular weekends. You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day operation, combining hands-on cooking with team leadership, menu planning, stock control and maintaining excellent food safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities of the Head Chef Manager:
- Lead and organise a small catering team throughout the working day
- Prepare and oversee a varied breakfast and lunch food offering
- Plan practical and appealing weekly menus
- Maintain excellent food quality, presentation and customer service
- Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries and supplier requirements
- Monitor portion control, food costs and waste
- Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene and allergen control
- Maintain accurate food safety and compliance records
- Train and support team members to maintain consistent standards
- Review customer feedback and sales to help develop the food offering
- Provide hands-on cooking and service support during busy periods
- Help identify ways to improve efficiency, quality and commercial performance
Key Requirements of the Head Chef Manager:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Chef Manager, Catering Manager or similar
- Strong hands-on cooking and food preparation experience
- Previous experience leading or supervising a small team
- Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures
- Experience managing stock, ordering and food waste
- Confident planning menus and controlling food costs
- Organised with good attention to detail
- Friendly and confident with strong communication skills
- Comfortable with paperwork, systems and compliance records
- Calm and hands-on during busy service periods
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification or willingness to obtain this
What’s on offer:
- £35,000–£42,000 depending on experience
- Permanent, full-time position
- Monday to Friday, 7:00am–4:30pm
- No regular weekend working
- No split shifts or late nights
- Plenty of responsibility and autonomy
- Opportunity to have a real input into menus and the wider catering operation
Head Chef Manager in Marlow employer: JR Recruitment
Join a dynamic and supportive team in High Wycombe, where your role as an Accounts & Office Administrator will be valued and integral to our operations. We offer a friendly work culture that encourages collaboration and personal growth, alongside competitive salary packages and opportunities for professional development. With a focus on work-life balance and a commitment to employee well-being, this is an excellent place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Manager in Marlow
✨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 JR Recruitment. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to JR Recruitment
Don't be shy about reaching out to JR Recruitment 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 Head Chef Manager in Marlow
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 JR Recruitment 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 JR Recruitment
✨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!
