Chef Manager

Harri; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday off

Free meals on duty

Contributory pension

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

CODE Hospitality membership

Foodie Socials

Job summary

Houston & Hawkes in Stevenage is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our catering operation on a Monday–Friday, 40-hour week, at £41,000 per annum. You will be hands-on in the kitchen, overseeing a small team and delivering fresh sandwiches, a daily bistro dish, baking, and hospitality with strong coffee service.

The role demands creativity, ownership and excellent food safety standards, while managing budgets and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Previous experience running or managing a kitchen, cafe or similar food-led operation.
• Strong cooking skills and passion for fresh food.
• Experience leading a small team and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day catering operation with a small team.
• Prepare and deliver fresh sandwiches, a daily bistro dish, baking and hospitality.
• Lead from the kitchen while supporting the coffee bar as needed.
• Manage budgets, purchasing, stock and food costs with commercial awareness.
• Develop and support your team and maintain high food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Budget & cost control

Team development

Barista/coffee service

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

Job description

CHEF MANAGER

Stevenage | £41,000 per annum | Monday to Friday | 40 hours per week

Fresh food. Great coffee. A small operation with plenty of personality.

Houston & Hawkes is looking for an experienced Chef Manager to lead our catering operation in Stevenage.

This is a brilliant role for someone who loves being close to the food and the people. You'll lead a small team while remaining hands-on in the kitchen, delivering freshly made sandwiches, a daily bistro dish, baking, hospitality and great barista coffee.

We're looking for someone with personality, creativity and a real sense of ownership - a Chef Manager who enjoys variety, takes pride in fresh food and presentation, and is just as comfortable leading the kitchen as they are supporting the coffee bar when needed.

THE ROLE

• Take ownership of the day-to-day catering operation, leading a small and close-knit team.
• Prepare and deliver fresh sandwiches, a daily bistro dish, baking and hospitality.
• Bring creativity and variety to the food offer while maintaining consistently high standards.
• Lead from the kitchen while remaining flexible and supporting the wider operation, including the coffee bar.
• Ensure food is fresh, beautifully presented and ready for service each day.
• Plan menus, production and purchasing effectively.
• Manage budgets, ordering, stock, food costs and waste with good commercial awareness.
• Develop and support your team, creating a positive and enjoyable working environment.
• Build strong relationships with customers and deliver warm, genuine service.
• Maintain excellent standards of food safety, allergen management, hygiene and compliance.

ABOUT YOU

• Previous experience running or managing a kitchen, cafe or similar food-led operation.
• Strong cooking skills and a genuine passion for fresh food.
• Experience leading and supporting a small team.
• Confident with budgets, purchasing, stock and cost control.
• Flexible and happy to work across different areas of the operation when required.
• Barista or coffee experience would be an advantage.
• Level 3 Food Safety is preferred, although training can be provided.
• Organised, reliable and comfortable taking ownership of your operation.
• Most importantly, you'll be someone who genuinely enjoys food, people and being part of the day-to-day service.

WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?

• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Your birthday off every year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Free meals on duty
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• CODE Hospitality membership
• Foodie Socials - bringing our teams together to share new concepts, seasonal food and drink ideas and the creativity happening across Houston & Hawkes
• Ongoing learning, development and genuine opportunities for career progression
• Our Summer Awards Party and Christmas Party - celebrating the brilliant people behind Houston & Hawkes

ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES

Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating vibrant, creative and exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK's most prestigious client sites.

We're a Certified B Corp and proud to create workplaces where great food, thoughtful service and brilliant people come together.

If you're a hands-on Chef Manager who loves fresh food, great coffee and leading a small team, we'd love to hear from you.