Job Introduction
Chef Manager
Up to £38,000 per annum | Monday to Friday | 7:30am – 3:30pm
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to join our team in Mildenhall, Suffolk.
This is a fantastic Monday to Friday opportunity for a chef who enjoys being hands-on in the kitchen while also taking responsibility for the wider catering operation. You’ll play a key role in delivering fresh, high-quality food, leading your team and building a strong, trusted relationship with our client.
As Chef Manager, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen and catering service, ensuring high standards across food, service, people and compliance.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring a smooth and efficient service.
- Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality food for customers.
- Lead, motivate and develop your team, creating a positive working environment.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the client and key stakeholders.
- Work closely with the client to understand their needs and deliver an excellent customer experience.
- Manage ordering, stock, food costs and waste effectively.
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards.
- Support menu planning and development, keeping the food offer fresh and engaging.
- Ensure the kitchen and wider operation consistently meet Compass Group standards.
- Take a hands-on approach while confidently managing the operational and people responsibilities of the role.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a confident Chef Manager with previous contract catering experience who understands what it takes to run a successful catering operation.
You’ll ideally have:
- Previous experience working as a Chef Manager, Head Chef or similar.
- Contract catering experience is essential.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- The ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
- Good commercial awareness, including food cost and stock management.
- A passion for fresh, quality food and excellent customer service.
- Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
- A hands-on, flexible approach and the ability to lead from the front.
Why Join Compass Group UK?
This is a great opportunity to join a leading foodservice organisation in a role offering Monday to Friday working and daytime hours, giving you a fantastic work-life balance.
If you’re an experienced Chef Manager who enjoys leading people, creating great food and building strong client partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.