At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create innovative menus and ensure high-quality dishes.
- Company: Join the Light Café, part of Durham's vibrant visitor attraction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, and bespoke training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Chef Manager with excellent culinary and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an innovative and passionate Chef Manager to lead a small, dedicated team of four at the Light Café, part of Durham's exciting visitor attraction that brings together art, science, history, creativity and community.
Responsibilities
- Menu Planning and Execution – create and plan menus in accordance with the style and customer preferences of the location; oversee food preparation and presentation to ensure high‑quality dishes and monitor waste and portion control.
- Employee Management – recruit, train and supervise all kitchen colleagues, including chefs, cooks and front‑of‑house staff; provide continual guidance, coaching and performance feedback.
- Inventory and Cost Control – monitor and manage stock levels and use a sensible approach to ordering supplies.
- Customer Relations – interact with customers to understand their catering needs and maintain open communication to address concerns or requirements; actively seek feedback.
- Health and Safety Compliance – support the head chef to ensure adherence to health and safety regulations and food safety protocols; embed safety in kitchen culture.
- Budget and Financial Management – develop and manage kitchen budgets, report on financial performance and implement cost‑saving measures without compromising quality.
- Menu Development and Innovation – stay updated on culinary trends and incorporate new ideas into menus.
- Compliance and Documentation – maintain accurate records of inventory, orders and food preparation processes and ensure regulatory compliance; lead by example in protecting the planet and supporting local communities.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Chef Manager.
- Ideally a recent background with the corporate contract catering sector.
- Excellent creative culinary skills.
- Leadership and team‑management abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in food‑cost management.
- Knowledge of food safety and health and safety regulations.
- Ability to adapt and work in a fast‑paced environment.
- Alignment with BaxterStorey core values.
Benefits
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
- Birthday off.
- 3 volunteering days.
- 3 days grandparent leave.
- 24‑week enhanced maternity leave.
- Secondary carer leave.
- Wedding/commitment day leave.
- Free meals on shift.
- Bespoke training and development opportunities.
- Apprenticeship opportunities for all experience levels.
- Pension and life insurance.
- Discounts on the HAPI app for high‑street shops, holidays & cinema.
- Well‑being hub.
- Access to employee assistance programme.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
Inclusive Employer Statement
BaxterStorey is committed to encouraging equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) among our workforce and aims to be truly representative of all sections of society, ensuring each employee feels respected and can give their best. We celebrate individuality and remain committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, religions, and socio‑economic backgrounds.
Chef Manager in Belmont employer: WSH Group
BaxterStorey is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture at the Light Café in Durham, where creativity and community converge. With a strong focus on employee growth through bespoke training, apprenticeship opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered. Enjoy generous benefits including 28 days holiday, enhanced maternity leave, and a well-being hub, all while working in a dynamic environment that prioritises innovation and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Belmont
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even friends who might know someone in the business. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than any application.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your menu ideas and creativity. This not only highlights 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 places you’re interested in. Send them a message expressing your passion for their café and how you could contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on culinary trends and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate them into your menus. This shows that you’re not just a chef, but an innovative leader who’s always looking to improve.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Belmont
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Creativity:When you're crafting your application, let your passion for food shine through! Share examples of innovative menus you've created or unique dishes you've executed. We want to see your flair and how you can bring something special to the Light Café.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in managing and training kitchen staff. Talk about how you've motivated your team and fostered a positive kitchen culture. We love to see strong leaders!
Be Budget Savvy:Don't forget to mention your experience with inventory and cost control. Share any strategies you've implemented to manage budgets effectively while maintaining quality. We appreciate candidates who can balance creativity with financial savvy!
Connect with Our Values:Take a moment to align your application with our core values at BaxterStorey. Show us how you prioritise health and safety, sustainability, and community engagement in your culinary practices. We’re all about making a positive impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with current culinary trends and have some innovative menu ideas ready to share. This shows your passion for food and creativity, which are key for a Chef Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing a team. Share specific examples of how you've recruited, trained, and motivated kitchen staff. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you can effectively guide a small team.
✨Understand Cost Control
Brush up on your knowledge of food-cost management and inventory control. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed budgets in the past and any cost-saving measures you’ve implemented without compromising quality.
✨Engage with Customer Relations
Think about how you’ve interacted with customers in previous roles. Prepare to share examples of how you’ve addressed customer feedback and tailored menus to meet their needs, as this is crucial for maintaining a positive dining experience.
