At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead menu development and ensure high food quality across multiple catering sites.
- Company: Dynamic multi-site catering service focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and learner experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rewarding leadership role with creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior chef or catering management roles and strong culinary skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Group Chef Manager to support the leadership and operational delivery of a dynamic multi-site catering and hospitality service. This is a hands-on management role requiring strong culinary leadership, operational flexibility, and the ability to support both commercial and educational catering environments. The successful candidate will play a key role in menu development, food quality, hospitality delivery, compliance, and team management whilst supporting the wider strategic objectives of the catering department.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, development, and implementation of innovative, cost-effective menus across multiple catering outlets and hospitality services.
- Produce accurate menu costings and support the department in achieving financial targets including gross profit margins and budget controls.
- Support operational delivery across sites, including providing hands-on kitchen and service cover during staff absence, vacancies, or peak periods.
- Lead and coordinate hospitality and event catering, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer service.
- Maintain and monitor food safety standards, HACCP compliance, allergen management, and departmental Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).
- Support the completion of audits, service reviews, cleaning standards, and compliance documentation across all catering areas.
- Assist with staff development, training, and performance management processes including PDR planning and objective setting.
- Deputise for the Group Catering Manager where required, supporting operational decision making and leadership across the department.
- Monitor food quality, consistency, portion control, stock management, and waste reduction initiatives.
- Support supplier relationships, ordering processes, and product development opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with curriculum, commercial, and operational teams to support learner experience and commercial growth.
- Drive continuous improvement across catering operations, hospitality standards, and customer satisfaction.
About You
- Proven experience in a senior chef or catering management role within hospitality, education, commercial catering, or a similar fast-paced environment.
- Strong culinary skills with experience in menu writing, food costing, and service delivery.
- Excellent understanding of food safety legislation, allergen management, and HACCP principles and excellent standards of cleaning.
- The ability to lead teams positively, being approachable, whilst remaining hands-on and operationally focused.
- Strong organisational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple sites and priorities.
- Experience supporting hospitality functions, events, and formal catering delivery.
- Front of house experience or understanding is desirable.
- IT confidence is essential for using Microsoft Office and catering management systems.
- Experience in use of AI is welcome and encouraged.
- A flexible and proactive approach with the ability to adapt to operational demands.
What We Offer
- A varied and rewarding leadership role within a supportive and developing catering service.
- Opportunity to influence menu innovation, operational standards, and service development.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- Generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme, flexible work schedule Monday to Friday with bank holidays off, not taken from your leave entitlement.
- Access to staff wellbeing and employee benefits.
- A collaborative environment focused on quality, learner experience, and continuous improvement.
Employee Benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Pension – 16.2% college contribution.
- Free breakfast at most campuses (term time).
- Free parking subject to obtaining a parking permit.
- Various other benefits are available, such as subsidised eye tests, contribution to flu injections, cycle to work schemes, RAC discounts and more.
Chef Manager, All Campuses in Southend-on-Sea employer: onlyFE
Join a dynamic and supportive catering service that values innovation and quality in a collaborative environment. As a Chef Manager, you will have the opportunity to influence menu development and operational standards while enjoying generous benefits such as a 16.2% pension contribution, flexible working hours, and access to various employee wellbeing initiatives. This role not only offers a rewarding leadership position but also fosters professional growth and a commitment to continuous improvement across multiple campuses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager, All Campuses in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and menu ideas. This is a great way to demonstrate your creativity and expertise to potential employers. Plus, it gives them a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s catering style and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs. And remember, confidence is key – let your passion for food and hospitality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s cook up something great together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager, All Campuses in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary expertise and experience in menu development. We want to see how you can bring innovative ideas to the table, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Detail your previous roles in catering management and any hands-on experience you've had. We love specifics, so mention the types of environments you've worked in and how you've contributed to their success.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. Share examples of how you've managed teams in the past, focusing on your approachable nature and ability to motivate others.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure 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 exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at onlyFE
✨Know Your Menus Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with a variety of menu styles and trends. Be ready to discuss your ideas for innovative, cost-effective menus that could work across multiple sites. This shows your culinary leadership and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Brush up on food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and allergen management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high food safety standards.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Think about examples where you’ve successfully led a team or managed a busy kitchen. Share stories that highlight your approachable nature and hands-on approach, as well as how you’ve supported staff development and performance management.
✨Be Ready for Operational Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle peak periods or staff absences. Prepare to discuss your flexibility and proactive strategies for ensuring smooth operations across multiple sites. This will show your readiness for the dynamic nature of the role.
