Chef Manager

Baxterstorey; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality service provider in Bridgwater is looking for a culinary expert to create exceptional dishes and manage kitchen operations. This role includes menu planning, staff supervision, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Candidates should have strong culinary skills and leadership abilities. A unique opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment, with benefits including holidays, free meals on shift, and training opportunities.

Benefits

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Birthday off

3 volunteering days

Pension and life insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Discounts on Perkbox app

Qualifications

• Proven experience in culinary arts.
• Excellent creative culinary skills.
• Ability to lead and manage a team.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient in managing food costs.
• Knowledgeable about food safety regulations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and plan menus according to customer preferences.
• Recruit, train, and supervise kitchen staff.
• Monitor stock levels and manage inventory.
• Interact with customers to assess catering needs.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Develop and manage kitchen budgets.
• Stay updated on culinary trends.

Skills

Creative culinary skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Food cost management

Knowledge of food safety regulations

Adaptability

Job description

Company Overview

At BaxterStorey we are proud to be an inclusive employer welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Our culture celebrates individuality and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. BaxterStorey is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) within our workforce and aims for a truly representative workforce where every employee feels respected and able to give their best.

Responsibilities

• Menu Planning and Execution – create and plan menus in accordance with the style and customer preferences of the location; oversee food preparation and presentation to ensure high‑quality dishes, monitor wastage and portion control.
• Employee Management – recruit, train, and supervise all colleagues, including chefs, cooks and front‑of‑house staff; provide coaching, guidance and performance feedback to the kitchen team.
• Inventory and Cost Control – monitor and manage stock levels and take a sensible approach to ordering supplies.
• Customer Relations – interact with customers to understand their catering needs and preferences and maintain open communication to address concerns; consistently seek feedback is key to success.
• Health and Safety Compliance – support the head chef to ensure adherence to health and safety regulations and food safety protocols/policies; embed safety in the culture.
• Budget and Financial Management – develop and manage kitchen budgets, report on financial performance and implement cost savings without impacting delivery of excellence.
• Menu Development and Innovation – stay updated on culinary trends and incorporate new ideas into menus.
• Compliance and Documentation – maintain accurate records of inventory, orders, and food preparation processes and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience commensurate with the role.
• Excellent creative culinary skills.
• Leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal relations skills.
• Proficiency in food cost management.
• Knowledge of food safety and health and safety regulations.
• Ability to adapt and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Works according to the BaxterStorey core values.

Benefits

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
• Your birthday off.
• 3 volunteering days.
• 3 days grandparent leave.
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave.
• Secondary carer leave.
• Wedding/commitment day leave.
• Free meals on shift.
• Bespoke training and development opportunities.
• Apprenticeship opportunities for all experience levels.
• Pension and life insurance.
• Discounts available on our Perkbox app; high street shops, holidays & cinema.
• Wellbeing hub.
• Access to employee assistance programme.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Additional Information

For almost 20 years, for every client, in every location (whether that’s an office, stadium, cathedral or university), we have created beautiful spaces, exciting menus and friendly teams, so that each and every customer can have the hospitality experience they deserve. We need the brightest and the best to join us to make this all possible. We will support you to create your hospitality legacy and build a career that you are proud of. Our drive and belief in our people means that we always strive to supercharge our team’s careers. ‘Better’ is a daily habit that sits deep within our DNA, meaning learning will be front and centre of your experience working with us.

Role Summary

Are you a culinary connoisseur / gastronomic genius? Do you have an insatiable passion for the culinary arts and a burning desire to create masterful dishes that delight the senses? Yes? Then this is the role for you. At BaxterStorey we offer an exceptional culinary playground where your creativity can flourish and your talents shine. We wholeheartedly believe that the best food comes from nurturing talent and empowering our chefs to continuously evolve and refine their craft. As a member of our team, you will be supported in an inclusive environment that encourages growth and celebrates diversity. We will invest in your development with ongoing training to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to thrive in your role, and we guarantee a good work‑life balance because we believe that people excel when given space to take care of themselves.