At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative menu development and manage multi-site catering operations.
- Company: Dynamic multi-site catering service focused on quality and learner experience.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, professional development, and flexible work schedule.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rewarding leadership role with creative culinary opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior chef or catering management roles with 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.
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.
- College closure days.
- Pension – 16.2% college contribution.
- Continued Professional Development.
- Free breakfast at most campuses (term time).
- Free parking subject to obtaining a parking permit.
- Subsidised eye tests, contribution to flu injections, cycle to work schemes, RAC discounts and more.
Looking For
This role would suit an ambitious Head Chef, Executive Chef, Catering Manager, or senior hospitality professional looking to develop within a diverse and rewarding group catering operation.
Group Chef Manager, All Campuses in Essex employer: South Essex College of Further & Higher Education
Join a dynamic and supportive catering service as a Group Chef Manager, where you will have the opportunity to lead innovative menu development and operational excellence across multiple campuses. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, professional growth, and a flexible schedule, all while making a meaningful impact on the learner experience. With generous benefits including training opportunities, a robust pension scheme, and various employee perks, this role is perfect for those looking to thrive in a rewarding culinary leadership position.
Contact Details:
South Essex College of Further & Higher Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Chef Manager, All Campuses in Essex
✨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 or menu ideas. This is a great way to demonstrate your creativity and expertise when you meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. And remember, we love candidates who are passionate about food and service!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Chef Manager, All Campuses in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary expertise and experience in menu planning. We want to see how you can bring innovative ideas to the table, so don’t hold back on showcasing your creativity!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Tailor your application by including specific examples of your past roles in catering management. We love to see how you've handled operational challenges and led teams, so share those stories that demonstrate your leadership skills.
Know Your Food Safety Standards:Since food safety is a big deal for us, make sure to mention your knowledge of HACCP and allergen management in your application. This shows that you’re not just a great chef but also someone who prioritises safety and compliance.
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 about the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Essex College of Further & Higher Education
✨Know Your Menus Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of menus you’ll be expected to create and manage. Research current trends in culinary innovation and think about how you can bring fresh ideas to the table. Be ready to discuss your previous menu planning experiences and how they align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Group Chef Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff, handled conflicts, or improved team performance. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you maintain high standards while being approachable.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your experience with menu costing and achieving financial targets. Bring examples of how you’ve managed budgets and maximised profit margins in previous roles. This will show that you understand the commercial side of catering as well as the culinary.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and allergen management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in past roles and how you ensure compliance across multiple sites. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining high-quality service.
