Assistant Chef Manager

Sammons Recruitment Ltd; Playden; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established visitor-focused organisation in England is seeking an experienced Assistant Chef Manager to support daily café operations. This hands-on role, suited for candidates who thrive in busy environments, involves leading teams, ensuring high food and service standards. Responsibilities include food preparation, staff training, overseeing compliance with food safety standards, and managing customer queries. Ideal candidates should have professional cooking qualifications and effective leadership skills while being comfortable handling multiple priorities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a high-volume café or catering setting.
• Experience with staff management and training.
• Knowledge of food safety, HACCP, COSHH standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of a busy café.
• Lead, train, and support café staff and baristas.
• Prepare food and coordinate menu specials.

Skills

Strong organisational and time management skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to motivate, lead, and develop a small hospitality team

Self-motivated with a practical, solution-focused approach

Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a busy environment

Education

Professional cooking qualification at Level 2

Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification or above

Job description

Overview

A well-established visitor-focused organisation is seeking an experienced Assistant Chef Manager to support the daily operation of a busy on-site café and associated catering activities. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced hospitality environment and is confident leading teams both front and back of house. Working closely with the Catering Manager, you will help ensure smooth day-to-day operations, high food and service standards, and an excellent customer experience. You will also deputise for the Catering Manager when required.

What’s on Offer

• Job type: Full time, fixed-term contract (12 months)
• Location: Roberstbridge
• Hours: 40 hours per week, 8am-5pm, 5 working days across 7 days
• Salary: £27,000 - £29,500 per annum

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of a busy café, front and back of house
• Deputise for the Catering Manager when required
• Lead, train, and support café staff and baristas
• Assist with staff rotas, time sheets, and shift planning
• Prepare food and support menu specials and seasonal offerings
• Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and presentation
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, COSHH, and health & safety standards
• Oversee stock control, deliveries, rotation, and spoilage checks
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment at all times
• Handle customer queries and complaints professionally
• Support administrative tasks, product research, and cost control
• Assist with catering for events, group bookings, and non-seasonal hospitality

Skills, Experience, and Training Requirements

• Professional cooking qualification at Level 2 or equivalent experience
• Level 3 / Head Chef experience welcomed but not essential
• Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification or above
• Ability to motivate, lead, and develop a small hospitality team
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a busy environment
• Confident and professional when dealing with the public
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivated with a practical, solution-focused approach

Our Ideal Candidate

• Enjoys working in a high-volume café or catering setting
• Demonstrates a positive, can-do attitude
• Able to multitask across café service, group catering, and events
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a small team
• Leads by example and maintains high standards
• Willing to undertake further training when required
• Flexible to work weekends and Bank Holidays

How to Apply

If you have the experience and enthusiasm to step into a senior café support role within a busy hospitality operation, we would like to hear from you.

Please apply directly through this advert with your CV.

If you know someone suitable for this role, share the word and through our referral scheme receive up to £250! for full details on all Permanent, Temporary and Contract career opportunities we are actively seeking candidates for. Recruiting on the basis of Talent, we are committed to supporting and promoting diversity in the workplace and consider all applications. Any salary advertised is for search purposes only. If you have not heard from us within 7 days you will have not been successful on this occasion, however, we would welcome your application for alternative vacancies