Chef Manager

Manchester Arndale; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced Catering Operations Manager to lead contract catering teams across client sites. You will develop seasonal menus with the team, manage budgets, recruit staff and ensure safety and compliance.

The role requires Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality, strong leadership, customer service excellence, and ability to build client relationships. We offer equal opportunity employment and supportive development.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing contract catering operations and teams.
• Ability to build strong relationships with clients and staff to meet daily expectations.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to changing demands.
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost control, and compliance with safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Create seasonal food and drink menus for the site and events for the client and visitors.
• Oversee staff to ensure menus meet client needs and daily legal/company requirements.
• Train team members on menus, serving procedures, safety standards, and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Organisational skills

Excel

Education

Level 3 Catering & Hospitality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About The Company:

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values -Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

Why Work for OCS:

Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.

Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.

Retail Perks With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.

Professional Growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!

Flexible Pay: Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)

About The Role:

As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Work with the team to create seasonal food and drink menus for the site and any events for the client and its visitors
• Oversee all staff, ensuring that the team’s creations meet the client’s needs. They must also ensure that all legal and company requirements are meet daily
• You will be responsible for training your team members on menus, serving procedures, company etiquette, safety standards, and regulations
• Recruit new staff to meet workload demands
• Work within budgets set by their line manager when planning catering operations, allocating the budget for food, cooking equipment, staffing, and equipment
• Establish relationships with vendors and ensure that food and other supplies are bought from the correct vendor, ensuring the best prices are obtained

What are we looking for?

• Have proven and extensive experience in the management of contract catering operations and teams
• You need to possess a Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent
• You should have proven leadership skills, with the ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team
• Experienced in building relationships with clients and staff, ensuring that the client’s expectations are met every day
• Can work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing demands is crucial

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK
• Understand financial management, budgeting, and cost control
• Excellent customer service skills are essential
• Can handle complex situations and find practical solutions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Good time-management and organisational abilities
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel
• While not always mandatory, having a food hygiene certificate (Level 3) is advantageous

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.