Chef Manager

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark in Cambridge is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our catering operation. You will assume full responsibility for food production and culinary excellence in line with Aramark standards.

You will drive sales and margins while maintaining HACCP compliance, manage the catering team, and showcase menu displays using Aramark marketing materials across the Cambridge site.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar food service environment.
• Innovative menu design with strong attention to detail.
• HACCP/Professional Cookery qualification.
• Experience managing a catering team.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for food production and menu development to meet client expectations.
• Maintain financial accountability, aiming for budgeted gross margin and cost control.
• Lead and develop the catering team, ensuring health and safety compliance.

Skills

Food production

Menu development

Culinary leadership

Health & Safety

Budgeting

Team management

Education

Third level qualification (HACCP/Culinary Arts/Professional Cookery)

Job description

At Aramark we empower our people to create experiences that matter.

We share a passion for hospitality, it’s at the foundation of everything we do.Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day.We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our catering operation in Cambridge. In this role, you will assume full responsibility for food production and culinary excellence, whilst driving the success of our catering service in line with Aramark standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full responsibility for food production and consistently introduce new and innovative menu options in line with Aramark standards and client expectations - Ensure all daily menus are balanced, nutritionally sound, and meet customer requirements - Collaborate with the Operations Manager to exceed client and customer expectations, demonstrating flexibility in service delivery to accommodate client requests
• Hold full financial accountability for the catering operation, including driving sales, gross profit, labour costs, and overheads - Achieve budgeted gross margin through rigorous costing practices and strategic menu planning - Maintain the highest standards of Health and Safety and HACCP compliance within the catering facility
• Lead, manage, and develop the catering team, fostering a culture of culinary excellence and continuous improvement - Utilise Aramark's suite of marketing materials to maintain consistent and impactful menu displays and product promotions throughout the Cambridge operation

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar food service environment
• An innovative approach to menu design with strong attention to detail
• Third level qualification (HACCP/Culinary Arts/Professional Cookery)
• Previous experience in Managing a Catering Team
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and the ability to innovate
• Commercial acumen, strong organisational and problem-solving abilities

Additional Information

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including referencesand an enhanced DBS checkin line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]