Catering Manager - Cambridge

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Cambridge is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to elevate dining experiences and lead a passionate kitchen team. Your leadership will drive culinary innovation while ensuring high-quality standards in a busy service environment. You should be skilled in food costing and developing talent. This role offers exciting opportunities for growth within a company committed to sustainability and employee well-being.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• Experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef in a contract catering environment.
• Skilled in developing kitchen talent and achieving shared success.
• Strong ability to balance culinary quality with financial considerations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen operations ensuring consistency and high standards.
• Innovate menus and develop culinary techniques to stay ahead of trends.
• Meet targets in quality, safety, sustainability, and cost control.

Skills

Leadership in culinary environments

Relationship building with clients

Food costing and supplier relations

Managing kitchen team performance

Job description

Job Introduction

Catering Manager - Cambridge

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

Salary: Up to £35,235 per annum 37.5 hours per week

Are you ready to take the lead in a dynamic culinary environment where creativity, excellence, and innovation are always on the menu?

We're on the hunt for a visionary Kitchen Manager who lives and breathes food, someone who's not just skilled in the kitchen but dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. This is more than just a cooking role; it's an opportunity to lead, inspire, and deliver unforgettable food programmes that push boundaries and excite every palate. If you're driven to constantly raise the bar and love developing a high‑performing kitchen team that thrives on creativity and excellence, we want to hear from you.

From fueling early risers with breakfast to delivering unforgettable hospitality experiences, your role will be as varied as it is exciting. You'll shape menus, inspire a talented brigade of chefs, and bring next‑level flavour to everything from barista‑led coffee spots to corporate events.

At Eurest, we are the experts in workplace catering, operating in over 700 workspaces every day. We know that fueling employees throughout the day can help to sharpen their thinking, nourish their bodies and minds and ultimately, motivate them to perform at their best. Our workplace food experiences are driven by our promise to live more sustainably and responsibly, working towards our goal of net zero by 2030.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead your kitchen like a well‑seasoned pro, ensuring every plate tells a story of flavour, consistency, and character.
• Create a kitchen culture where high standards come naturally and pushing culinary boundaries is part of the daily rhythm.
• Stay sharp on food trends and forward‑thinking techniques – you know what's next before it hits the menu.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders – you speak the language of food and business.
• Deliver excellence beyond the plate by hitting key targets in quality, safety, sustainability, and cost control.

What you’ll bring to the table

• A seasoned Kitchen Manager or Head Chef ready to take the lead in a flavour‑driven environment.
• Previous contract catering and B&I experience.
• Energised by developing talent and creating a kitchen team that thrives on excellence, efficiency, and shared success.
• At a true chef at heart, committed to delivering exceptional food experiences while upholding company standards and exceeding client expectations.
• Confident balancing flavour and finance. Skilled in food costing, supplier relationships, and smart kitchen economics.
• Calm, focused, and fast on your feet, you thrive in a busy service and never compromise on quality under pressure.

Hungry for more?

We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real‑time mentoring, hands‑on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it’s a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.

For more information about careers at Eurest and our benefits please visit: Careers at Eurest

#Eurest

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!