Chef Manager

OCS; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS is seeking an experienced Catering Operations Manager to lead contract catering teams in Wolverhampton. You will design seasonal menus with the team, oversee kitchen and service staff, and ensure compliance with client requirements and safety standards.

Responsibilities include staff training, budget adherence, vendor negotiations, and maintaining strong client relationships to meet daily expectations. The role requires leadership, exceptional communication, and a proactive approach in a

Qualifications

• Experience in managing contract catering operations and teams.
• Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent, with unit management experience.
• Proven leadership skills to lead, mentor and motivate a team of chefs and staff.

Responsibilities

• Work with the team to create seasonal menus for the site and events.
• Oversee staff including kitchen assistants, chefs, and servers, ensuring compliance with client needs and regulations.
• Train team members on menus, procedures, etiquette, safety standards and regulations.
• Adhere to budgets set by line management when planning catering operations, including food, equipment and staffing budgets.
• Establish relationships with vendors and secure best prices.

Skills

Contract catering management

Leadership

Client relationship building

Communication

Adaptability

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Hospitality

HNC or HND in Hospitality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

About The Role:

Days of Working: Monday to Friday

Responsibilities

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, including kitchen assistants, chefs, and servers, ensuring that the team’s creations meet the client’s needs. They must also ensure that all legal and company requirements are met daily
• Be responsible for training team members on menus, serving procedures, company etiquette, safety standards, and regulations
• You will need to adhere to 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

Qualifications

• You should have experience in the management of Contract Catering operations and teams and should also have a full understanding of the entire catering operation
• Possess a Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent, as well as unit management experience within the Contract Catering sector
• You should have proven leadership skills, with the ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team of chefs
• 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

Ideal Candidate

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK
• Must be prepared to undergo a DBS or Enhanced Security check
• A NVQ Level 3, Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality is beneficial
• Have management experience within the contract catering industry is essential
• Excellent customer service skills are essential
• Be able to handle varied situations and find practical solutions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time-management and organisational abilities
• Can handle sensitive and confidential information
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel
• While not always mandatory, having a food hygiene certificate (Level 2) 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.