Chef Manager

Compass Group UK; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal Development and Training

Life assurance scheme

Pension scheme

Holiday allowance

Healthcare Support App

Eye care

Wellbeing and EAP

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking a Chef Manager at Martin Brower in Darlington to lead a kitchen team of eight, deliver high-quality daily service, and manage menus, costs and waste. This hands-on role drives standards, training and customer satisfaction across roughly 150 meals per day.

You’ll work Monday–Friday with 40 hours weekly, leading by example in a busy catering site within the Gather & Gather portfolio, enjoying strong development and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• Lead and manage a team of 8, keeping the kitchen running smoothly across day and evening service.
• Plan menus that offer variety, quality and appeal while keeping within budget.
• Oversee food preparation and service for around 150 covers each day.
• Take a hands-on role in the kitchen, cooking alongside the team and leading by example.
• Manage ordering, stock levels, food costs and waste.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety.
• Support, train and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive working environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 8, keeping the kitchen running smoothly across day and evening service.
• Deliver a fresh food offer combining traditional favourites with modern dishes.
• Oversee food preparation and service for around 150 covers each day.
• Take a hands-on role in the kitchen, cooking alongside the team and leading by example.
• Plan menus that offer variety, quality and appeal while keeping within budget.
• Manage ordering, stock levels, food costs and waste.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and food safety.
• Support, train and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive working environment.
• Work closely with the restaurant team to ensure service runs smoothly and customers receive a great experience.

Skills

Team leadership

Kitchen management

Menu planning

Food preparation

Food safety

Budgeting and cost control

Job description

Great food in the workplace isn’t simply about fuel.It’s about increasing productivity and improving performance; it’s about happy, motivated people and inspiring environments. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do – we live to bring food and people together.

We are brave, bold and curious adventurers in food and drink. Never shy of being different, always challenging the conventional.

Our passionate team of chefs, baristas, servers, nutritionists and much more, love nothing more than creating memorable moments that enrich the everyday.Come and join our award-winning teams – we are currently recruiting for a Chef Manager to join our team at Martin Brower.

Location: Martin Brower, Darlington

Salary: £35,000-£40,000 per annum

Shift Pattern: Monday-Friday, 6:30-15:00 or 7:00-15:30, 40 hours per week

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of 8, keeping the kitchen running smoothly across day and evening service.
• Deliver a fresh food offer combining traditional favourites with modern dishes.
• Oversee food preparation and service for around 150 covers each day.
• Take a hands‑on role in the kitchen, cooking alongside the team and leading by example.
• Plan menus that offer variety, quality and appeal while keeping within budget.
• Manage ordering, stock levels, food costs and waste.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and food safety.
• Support, train and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive working environment.
• Work closely with the restaurant team to make sure service runs smoothly and customers receive a great experience.

What's in it for you?

Working with Gather & Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders

• A holiday purchase scheme
• Volunteering days
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/81/43922001/52838515/SU #Gather and Gather

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!