Are you an experienced Chef Manager looking for your next challenge within a high-volume contract catering environment?
We're looking for a passionate and commercially minded Chef Manager to lead a successful catering operation in Gravesend. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious catering professional who combines strong culinary skills with proven leadership experience and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional food and service.
Working within a prestigious contract catering environment, you'll have full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the kitchen, team development, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and operational excellence.
The Role
As Chef Manager, you'll be responsible for:
- Leading and developing a team of chefs, cooks, and front of house colleagues
- Planning and delivering innovative, fresh, and engaging menus
- Managing food preparation and presentation to the highest standards
- Controlling food costs, stock levels, ordering, and kitchen budgets
- Monitoring wastage and implementing cost-saving initiatives
- Building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
- Driving customer satisfaction through excellent food and service delivery
- Maintaining accurate operational and compliance records
- Supporting continuous improvement and menu development initiatives
About You
To be successful in this role, you'll ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Catering Manager, or Head Chef within contract catering
- Strong people management and leadership skills
- Demonstrable experience managing kitchen budgets, stock, and food costs
- Excellent culinary and menu development abilities
- A sound understanding of food safety and health & safety regulations
- Experience managing teams in a fast-paced catering environment
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- A proactive and commercially focused approach
What's in It for You?
- Salary of £40,000 per annum
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays
- Your birthday off every year
- Free meals whilst on shift
- Enhanced maternity and family leave benefits
- 3 paid volunteering days
- Apprenticeship and development opportunities
- Pension and life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellbeing support hub
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- High street, travel and cinema discounts via Perkbox
Working Pattern
- 40 hours per week
- Operational site runs 7 days per week
- Flexibility to support both day and night shift operations as required
Apply Now
If you're an experienced Chef Manager with a background in contract catering and are ready to take ownership of a thriving operation, we'd love to hear from you.
Please note: Applicants must have previous management experience within a catering environment and be able to commute to Gravesend (DA11) on a daily basis.
