At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and manage daily deli operations.
- Company: Vanta Staffing, recruiting for a busy workplace deli in Marlow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stable weekday hours, and hands-on leadership role.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Enjoy a fulfilling chef role with no weekends and the chance to shape menus.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or similar, with strong cooking and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Marlow
Salary: £35,000–£42,000 per annum, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm
Vanta Staffing are recruiting for an experienced Head Chef Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of a busy workplace deli in Marlow. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef, café manager or catering professional looking for a hands-on management role with consistent Monday-to-Friday daytime hours and no regular weekends or late nights.
The Role
- Lead a small catering team and oversee the daily breakfast, lunch and grab-and-go operation, ensuring high standards of food quality, service, food safety and commercial control.
- Manage the daily operation of the deli and lead the catering team.
- Prepare and oversee breakfast, lunch, hot-counter and grab-and-go food.
- Plan practical, appealing and commercially controlled weekly menus.
- Manage stock, ordering, portion control and food waste.
- Maintain excellent food presentation and customer-service standards.
- Ensure full compliance with food-safety, hygiene and allergen procedures.
- Manage recipe cards, allergen matrices, PPDS labelling and daily compliance records.
- Monitor deliveries, stock rotation, temperatures and food storage.
- Train and support team members to maintain consistent standards.
- Review sales, customer feedback and waste to improve the food offer.
- Provide hands-on support during busy service periods.
About You
- Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef, Cook, Café Manager, Deli Manager or Workplace Catering Lead.
- Strong practical cooking and food-production experience.
- Experience leading or supervising a small team.
- Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen controls.
- Experience with stock management, ordering and waste control.
- The ability to plan menus and manage food costs.
- Excellent organisation and communication skills.
- A calm and hands-on approach to busy service periods.
- Confidence completing paperwork, digital records and compliance checks.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification, or willingness to obtain it.
- Experience with workplace catering, PPDS/Natasha’s Law, recipe cards and allergen matrices would be advantageous.
What’s on Offer?
- £35,000–£42,000 salary, depending on experience.
- Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:30pm.
- Permanent, full-time position.
- No regular weekend working or split shifts.
- Hands-on leadership role with genuine responsibility.
- Opportunity to influence menus and improve the catering operation.
If you're an experienced chef or catering professional looking for a stable weekday management role, we'd love to hear from you.
Manager and Head Chef in Milton Keynes employer: Vanta Staffing Limited
Vanta Staffing is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values independence and professionalism. As a Class 1 Night Driver, you will benefit from competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic transport operation. Join us in a role that not only provides meaningful work but also fosters personal growth in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager and Head Chef in Milton Keynes
✨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 Vanta Staffing Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Vanta Staffing Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Vanta Staffing Limited 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 Manager and Head Chef in Milton Keynes
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 Vanta Staffing Limited 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 Vanta Staffing Limited
✨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!
