Chef Manager

Chartwells Independent; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career Pathways & MyLearning

Digital GP access & healthcare for you

Travel discounts (TUI/Expedia/Booking)

Grocery discounts & cinema tickets

Cashback rewards & wellbeing classes

Job summary

Compass Group UK & Ireland is seeking a Chef Manager to lead our Burgess Hill kitchen, delivering high-quality meals for daily service and events. You will manage the team, maintain standards, and drive improvements in safety and customer satisfaction.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong organisational skills and a passion for seasonal, quality food. Earn £35,000 per year with a supportive culture and clear progression opportunities within Compass Group.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Chef Manager or in a similar leadership role.
• Strong team management and people development skills.
• Experience working in a fast-paced catering environment.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A passion for producing high-quality, seasonal food.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to lead by example.
• Flexibility to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Leading, motivating and developing a talented kitchen team.
• Planning, preparing and presenting fresh, nutritious meals.
• Managing catering for both daily services and special events.
• Overseeing food ordering, stock control and budget management.
• Minimising food waste and driving efficiency across the operation.
• Ensuring full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety standards.
• Creating effective rotas and supporting smooth day-to-day operations.
• Promoting a culture of teamwork, pride and continuous improvement.

Skills

Team management

People development

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Hands-on leadership

Education

NVQ or City & Guilds (desirable)

Job description

Chef Manager

Location: Burgess Hill (White Oaks)
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Full Time

Lead, Inspire and Deliver Exceptional Food

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to lead our catering team at White Oaks. In this role, you'll oversee the delivery of fresh, high-quality meals while managing all aspects of kitchen operations. From daily food service to special event catering, you'll ensure exceptional standards of food quality, safety and customer satisfaction.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on culinary leader who enjoys developing teams, driving operational excellence and creating a positive kitchen culture.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading, motivating and developing a talented kitchen team
• Planning, preparing and presenting fresh, nutritious meals
• Managing catering for both daily services and special events
• Overseeing food ordering, stock control and budget management
• Minimising food waste and driving efficiency across the operation
• Ensuring full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety standards
• Creating effective rotas and supporting smooth day-to-day operations
• Promoting a culture of teamwork, pride and continuous improvement

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Chef Manager or in a similar leadership role
• Strong team management and people development skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced catering environment
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A passion for producing high-quality, seasonal food
• A proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to lead by example
• Relevant catering qualifications such as NVQ or City & Guilds (desirable)
• Flexibility to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends

What's In It For You?

We believe in rewarding our colleagues for their hard work and commitment. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive salary of £35,000 per annum
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development through Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Digital GP access and healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more
• Savings on everyday shopping at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and other major retailers
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cashback rewards across a wide range of brands
• Free wellbeing, mindfulness and exercise classes
• Access to discounts and offers that can be shared with friends and family

About Compass Group UK & Ireland

Compass Group is the UK's leading food and support services provider, serving thousands of locations across the country. Every day, we help feed people, fuel progress and create meaningful experiences for our customers and clients.

Join us and you'll enjoy excellent opportunities for career progression, industry-leading training and development, and the chance to build a rewarding career with one of the UK's largest employers.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Compass Group UK & Ireland is committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all colleagues, ensuring every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential.

Job Reference: com/0909/44095001/52831698/R/SU
Closing Date: 9 October 2026