Chef Manager

Impact Food Group; Houghton-le-Spring; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daytime hours – no evenings or weekend

Free meals on shift

Uniform provided

Training and career progression

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a high-volume kitchen at Lear Corporation, DH4 5PP. Working Monday to Friday, 7am-3pm (37.5 hours/week), you will oversee a team, manage stock and budgets, and ensure top-quality meals.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, strong people skills, and delivering excellent customer service in a busy contract catering environment. An interview and kitchen visit are part of the process.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a kitchen in high‑volume catering.
• Proven ability to lead and develop catering teams.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop your catering team.
• Prepare and serve fresh, seasonal meals at high volume.
• Manage stock and control budgets.
• Ensure food hygiene, safety and compliance standards.
• Build strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders.
• Oversee service from prep to finish for smooth operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

High-volume catering

People management

Organisation & communication

Job description

Impact Food Group (IFG) is made up of a variety of brands; Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the contract catering sector.

Job Title: Chef Manager

School Location: Lear Corporation, DH4 5PP

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 7am-3pm (37.5 hours per week)

Working Weeks: 52 weeks per year (5.6 weeks holiday

Pay Details: £27,651 Annum

What will I be doing?

As a Chef Manager, you’ll take full responsibility for running a high-volume kitchen, serving fresh, seasonal meals. This is a hands‑on, leadership role where you’ll manage your team, maintain high standards, and ensure smooth, efficient service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team
• Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals at high volume
• Managing stock, and controlling budgets
• Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met
• Building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders
• Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish

We’re not in the business of just making food—we’re here to make great food, and that’s why our customers love us.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for an experienced Chef Manager with a passion for high-volume catering and strong leadership skills.

• Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in from B I
• Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at high volumes
• Strong people management and team leadership skills
• Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and compliance
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A proactive, hands‑on approach and pride in maintaining high standards

If you thrive in fast‑paced environments and enjoy leading teams to deliver great food, this could be the role for you.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a fantastic work‑life balance:

• Daytime hours, no evenings or weekends
• Free meals on shift and uniform provided

Plus, you’ll benefit from:

• Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
• Access to free qualifications
• Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
• Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers

This is your opportunity to lead a high-volume kitchen, develop your career, and make a real difference at site.

Please note: An interview, trade test and kitchen visit will be required as part of the recruitment process.

We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.