Chef Manager

Miquill; Sandwell; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A growing catering company in Sandwell seeks an experienced Chef Manager to lead its catering operation. This hands-on leadership role involves managing a team, ensuring culinary excellence, and maintaining operational efficiency. Ideal candidates should possess strong management skills, a solid understanding of profit management, and a passion for great food. This role offers a generous work-life balance with Monday to Friday hours, enhancing potential for personal growth within the company.

Benefits

Amazing work-life balance

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Prior experience managing and motivating a team in a commercial catering setting.
• Strong financial understanding of gross profit management and cost control.
• Craft-based experience using fresh ingredients with high cooking standards.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety practices in a kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire catering operation with inspirational leadership and commercial acumen.
• Prepare nutritious meals while overseeing menu development and innovation.
• Coach and train staff to build a high-performing team.
• Control costs and manage profitability effectively.
• Drive sales through promotions and events.
• Maintain compliance with all company procedures and legislation.

Skills

Team management

Profit management

Culinary skills

Health and Safety compliance

Education

OND or HND Qualification

Job description

Summary

As the Chef Manager, you take complete financial and operational responsibility for your school's catering facility. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll be driving profitability and setting the standard for culinary excellence. You’ll lead from the front, deliver exceptional, creative food, and make every school mealtime fun, exciting, and truly memorable.

Package

The happiness of our employees is paramount. Our friendly kitchen environments will make you feel supported and part of the Miquill_DOWNLOAD family.

• Amazing Work-Life Balance:

  • Monday to Friday working-no more weekends!

  • 37.5 hours working with no late nights.

  • 39 weeks per year based around school term time (more time carers with friends and family!).

  • £17 per hour

• Your Future Growth:

  • Work for a fast-growing company that wants you to grow with them.

  • Benefit from a dedicated L&D team offering apprenticeships and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.

Ready to start a rewarding career with a company that truly values its team? Apply today!

Please note: All staff must share our commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.

Main Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the entire catering operation, skillfully balancing inspirational leadership with sharp commercial acumen.

• Operational Leadership: Inspire, manage, and motivate the team to consistently deliver a fantastic dining experience aligned with our high company standards.

• Culinary Excellence: Lead the preparation of delicious and nutritious, high‑quality meals using our menus, while actively overseeing and driving menu development and innovation.

• Team Development: Champion the growth of your unit by leading, coaching, and training all staff in a positive and professional manner, building a resilient, high‑performing team.

• Commercial Control: Maintain full control over all costs (stock, food, labour). Expertly manage profitability and improve efficiency through rigorous cost control.

• Sales & Growth: Drive sales success through exciting monthly promotions and creative added‑value events.

• Client Relations: Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients and customers, acting as the friendly, expert face of Miquill.

• Compliance & Audit: Guarantee 100% compliance with all company procedures and statutory legislation (H&S, Hygiene, Allergens),Beyond regular internal audits.

Ideal Candidate

We're seeking a high‑calibre professional who shares our passion for great‑tasting food and providing exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards.

• A natural, positive manager with prior experience effectively managing and motivating a team in a commercial catering setting.

• A robust financial understanding of gross profit management, cost control, and a proven track record of achieving sales targets.

• Strong, demonstrable craft‑based experience using fresh ingredients and maintaining high cooking standards.

• Strong, in-depth working knowledge of Health and Safety practices and compliance within a professional kitchen.

• OND or HND Qualification, or equivalent management certification, is preferred, but not essential if experience is strong.