Chef/Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Colne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run café in Oakington, Cambridge, is seeking a Café Chef/Manager to oversee daily operations and enhance their culinary offerings. The ideal candidate will have extensive hospitality experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for high-quality seasonal food. Responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and developing seasonal menus. This position offers a competitive salary of £35,000 - £38,000 and sociable working hours from 8 AM to 5 PM, five days a week, with one weekend shift.

Benefits

Competitive salary with potential bonuses

Sociable working hours

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in a managerial role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Proficient in food preparation, menu planning, and cookery.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the café.
• Lead and motivate the café team effectively.
• Maintain strict control over costs and scheduling.
• Engage in hands-on food preparation and cooking.
• Develop and deliver seasonal, high-quality menu items.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Leadership skills

Food preparation

Interpersonal skills

Cost management

Customer service

Social media management

Job description

Chef/Manager

Annual Salary: £35,000 - £38,000

Location: Oakington, Cambridge

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (No Evenings!)

Start date: Jan 2026

Reed are working with an award-winning family-run business who are seeking a Café Chef/Manager to elevate their popular café, aligning it with their brand and vision. This role is perfect for someone with a strong background in hospitality, excellent managerial skills, and a passion for culinary excellence.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Oversee the daily operations of the café, ensuring a high standard of service and customer satisfaction.
• Lead and motivate the café team through empathetic and effective leadership.
• Maintain strict control over costs including purchasing, costing, portion control, and staff scheduling.
• Engage in hands-on activities such as food preparation, menu planning, and cooking, especially during peak service times.
• Uphold their 5-star food safety and hygiene standards across all café operations.
• Collaborate with the family owners to ensure the café's offerings and atmosphere align with the overall brand and vision.
• Develop and deliver seasonal, high-quality menu items that reflect an understanding of seasonality and a passion for excellent food.
• Manage and enhance the café's social media presence to boost visibility and engagement.
• Ensure a professional, calm, and respectful working environment throughout the café.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in a managerial role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Proficient in food preparation, menu planning, and cookery.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A keen understanding of cost management and financial accountability.
• Passion for high-quality, seasonal food and excellent customer service.
• Experience in managing social media platforms for business enhancement.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with potential bonuses for achieving set goals.
• Sociable working hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, 5 days a week (includes one weekend work with flexibility).
• Opportunity to work in a creative and supportive family-run business.
• Chance to contribute to a business with a strong local reputation and a history of excellence.

To apply for this Café Manager position, please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience.