Chef Manager - Bedford

Chartwells; Bedford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK&I, is seeking a Chef Manager in Bedford to oversee culinary operations in the education sector. The successful candidate will prepare high-quality meals, manage kitchen staff, and ensure compliance with hygiene standards. This role offers an opportunity for career growth in a company dedicated to the well-being of children and creating positive dining experiences.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Free Meals On Duty

Exclusive travel discounts

Career development programs

Free wellness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Hold a relevant culinary qualification (City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent).
• Experience in a similar role with a strong focus on food quality and safety.
• Ability to work under pressure and demonstrate time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality meals while managing food service and kitchen environment.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen staff and budgets, contributing to overall financial targets.

Skills

Communication

Team Management

Food Preparation

Budget Management

Hygiene Standards

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Monday to Friday
• Term Time Only Working
• Days Only
• Free Meals On Duty
• Free Parking
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

As a Chef Manager, you will be responsible for creating an outstanding culinary experience. In return, you will have the chance to progress your career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards employees who go beyond the plate.

Could you bring your spark to Chartwells? Here's what you need to know before applying for a Chef Manager position with Compass Group UK&I.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
• Identifying opportunities to improve our food service
• Creating a positive kitchen environment where your team feel welcomed and supported
• Delivering our tasty food concepts to our customers
• Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
• Ordering food, managing stock control, and controlling food waste
• Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
• Managing budgets and meeting financial targets
• Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
• Complying with Health & Safety regulations

Our ideal Head Chef will:

• Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
• Create a positive work environment where the whole team can thrive
• Be a brilliant communicator and easily build relationships
• Have experience
• Strive for excellence in an enthusiastic and motivated manner
• Take initiative and make decisions that are right for our customers
• Have a desire to succeed in your role
• Possess the ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrate exceptional timekeeping and reliability
• Have a safety-first mindset
• Be passionate about food

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds, and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All employees are expected to share this commitment. Employment is subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and applicants must declare all previous convictions and cautions to assess suitability for working with children.

Job Reference: com/1707/43499001/52750991/SU #State Schools

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 team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered, and to thrive—because diversity is our strength!