Chef Manager

Compass Group; Witham; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Witham is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a kitchen team in delivering exceptional dining experiences. You will oversee menu planning and operational management while ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate has chef management experience and strong financial acumen. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and a focus on breakfast and lunch services.

Qualifications

• Proven chef management experience with strong culinary skills and creativity.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Strong financial and organisational awareness.
• Passion for delivering great service.
• Adaptable, proactive, and hands-on.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality balanced menus.
• Manage, motivate, and develop a small team.
• Oversee stock control and compliance.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Deliver budgeted financial performance.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership

Financial management

Communication

Organisation

Job description

Overview

Chef Manager - £34,612 | Monday to Friday | Witham, Essex

We are looking for a talented and motivated Chef Manager to lead our kitchen team in delivering fresh, innovative, and high-quality food while creating an exceptional dining experience for our clients and customers.

Location: Witham, Essex
Salary: Up to £34,612 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Service Focus: Breakfast & Lunch only - no late evenings

The Role

As a hands-on Chef Manager, you will take full ownership of the day-to-day running of the unit. From menu planning and food preparation to team leadership and financial management, you\'ll ensure the kitchen operates smoothly, efficiently, and in line with Compass Group UK & Ireland standards. You will be the driving force in creating seasonal, nutritious, and appealing menus, while managing costs, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Culinary Excellence: Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality, balanced menus that meet client and customer expectations.
• Team Leadership: Manage, motivate, and develop a small team of 4, ensuring high engagement, training, and performance.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee stock control, purchasing, and labour planning while ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen management, and health & safety standards.
• Client & Customer Engagement: Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, responding to feedback and driving customer satisfaction.
• Financial & Commercial Management: Deliver budgeted financial performance across labour, stock, and GP%, minimising waste and identifying opportunities for growth.

What We're Looking For

• Proven chef management experience with strong culinary skills and creativity.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills - able to inspire and lead a small team.
• Strong financial and organisational awareness, with experience managing budgets, stock, and compliance.
• A passion for delivering great service and exceeding customer expectations.
• Adaptable, proactive, and hands-on, with a positive, can-do approach.

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/1209/99554001/52762542/SU #RA Group

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!