Chef Manager

Up to £34,000 per annum

We are looking for an experienced Chef Manager to take ownership of a food operation, combining strong culinary expertise with effective commercial and operational leadership. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys being involved in the kitchen while also managing the wider running of the site.

You will be responsible for delivering high‑quality food, building strong client relationships, leading your team, and ensuring the operation performs successfully from both a service and financial perspective.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary leadership

• Lead by example in the kitchen, delivering fresh, high‑quality food to a consistent standard.
• Plan and deliver menus that are well‑executed, seasonal and aligned to customer expectations.
• Drive food quality, presentation and consistency across all services.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety and hygiene standards.
  
  
  

Operational management

• Take full responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the site.
• Plan, organise and resource the operation to meet service requirements efficiently.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and safety throughout the kitchen and service areas.
• Continuously review ways of improving service delivery, efficiency and customer experience.
  
  
  

Client & stakeholder relationships

• Act as the main point of contact for the client, developing positive and professional relationships.
• Hold regular meetings and maintain open communication to ensure expectations are met.
• Proactively manage feedback and implement improvements where required.
• Ensure all services and hospitality are delivered to agreed standards.
  
  
  

Financial & commercial performance

• Manage budgets, food and labour costs to achieve financial targets.
• Monitor sales, margins and costs, taking corrective action where necessary.
• Forecast and plan effectively while minimising waste and inefficiencies.
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth, added value and service development.
  
  
  

People leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop your team, creating a positive and supportive working environment.
• Recruit, train and retain talent, ensuring the team is appropriately resourced.
• Carry out regular performance reviews, coaching and development conversations.
• Ensure all team members work in line with company policies and procedures.
  
  
  

Who we’re looking for

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager or senior kitchen manager.
• A strong culinary background with the ability to remain hands‑on when required.
• Experience managing the commercial and operational aspects of a food service operation.
• Confident in managing budgets, costs and KPIs.
• Comfortable working directly with clients and key stakeholders.
• A positive leader who can inspire, develop and retain a high‑performing team.
  
  
  

What’s on offer

• A role with real ownership and accountability for your site.
• The opportunity to balance creativity in the kitchen with commercial leadership.
• Ongoing development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive environment that values quality, people and performance.
  
  
  

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!