Chef Manager

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Salterforth; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on groceries and cinema

Cash rewards on spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Discounts for friends and family

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is recruiting a Chef Manager at Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick. You will mobilise a new catering offer, lead a small team, and ensure high standards of food and service for 300-400 colleagues on site.

The role is hands-on with strong leadership and organisational requirements, plus management of food costs, stock, and compliance. Monday to Friday, 7:00am–3:00pm in a modern workplace.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in managing and developing teams
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Experience managing food costs, budgets, stock control and wastage
• Hands-on management style with passion for great food and service
• Willingness to travel to site consistently

Responsibilities

• Leading the successful mobilisation and ongoing management of the catering operation
• Preparing and delivering a fresh food offer, including sandwiches, salads, and lunch menu items
• Managing the daily operation and service delivery to meet client expectations
• Leading, motivating, and developing a team of three colleagues
• Managing food ordering, stock control, inventory, and supplier relationships
• Monitoring food costs and managing budgets in line with financial targets
• Overseeing the operation of smart vending solutions and ensuring product availability
• Maintaining excellent standards of food presentation, quality, and customer service
• Completing all required bookwork, reporting, audits, and compliance documentation
• Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and company procedures
• Building strong relationships with the client and acting as the key on-site catering contact

Job description

Chef Manager - Rolls Royce Barnoldswick

Salary: £32,400 per annum

Full-time | Monday to Friday | 7:00am – 3:00pm

We're recruiting a Chef Manager for an exciting opportunity at Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick, leading the mobilisation of a new catering offer launching in November. This is a fantastic role for an experienced chef with strong leadership and organisational skills who enjoys being hands-on while managing a small, high-performing team.

You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operation of a busy lunch-focused catering unit serving approximately 300-400 colleagues on site, delivering fresh sandwiches, salads, grab-and-go options, and an excellent customer experience. The operation will also include 24/7 smart vending facilities, with breakfast service currently under review.

Leading a team of three, you'll take ownership of food quality, compliance, stock management, financial controls, and all associated administration to ensure a successful and smooth operation from day one.

What you'll be doing

• Leading the successful mobilisation and ongoing management of the catering operation
• Preparing and delivering a fresh food offer, including sandwiches, salads, and lunch menu items
• Managing the daily operation and service delivery to meet client expectations
• Leading, motivating, and developing a team of three colleagues
• Managing food ordering, stock control, inventory, and supplier relationships
• Monitoring food costs and managing budgets in line with financial targets
• Overseeing the operation of smart vending solutions and ensuring product availability
• Maintaining excellent standards of food presentation, quality, and customer service
• Completing all required bookwork, reporting, audits, and compliance documentation
• Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and company procedures
• Building strong relationships with the client and acting as the key on-site catering contact

What we're looking for

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef, or Senior Chef within contract catering, workplace catering, or a similar environment
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams
• Experience managing food costs, budgets, stock control, and wastage
• Confident completing administration, reporting, audits, and compliance paperwork
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• A hands-on management style with a passion for delivering great food and service
• Experience mobilising new contracts or implementing new catering offers would be advantageous
• Knowledge of food safety legislation and catering compliance requirements
• Reliable and able to travel to site consistently

Why Join Us

• Monday to Friday working pattern with no evening service
• Opportunity to lead an exciting new catering mobilisation
• Manage a small, close-knit team in a modern workplace environment
• Autonomy to shape and develop a fresh food offer
• Competitive salary and development opportunities within a growing business

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!