Chef Manager - Bedford

Compass Group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking a Chef Manager in Bedford, UK. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing high-quality meals, managing kitchen operations, and leading a dedicated team. Ideal applicants should possess relevant culinary qualifications and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. This role offers a chance to progress within a company that values individual contributions and diversity.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Free meals on duty

Career development programs

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Relevant kitchen experience in a managerial capacity.
• Strong understanding of food handling and hygiene standards.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality food and maintain a positive kitchen environment.
• Manage food ordering, stock control, and budgets.
• Oversee cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.

Skills

Excellent culinary skills

Team management

Communication

Budget management

Food safety knowledge

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, and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbusters
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Unwind with free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share all discounts and offers with your friends and family

As a Chef Manager, you will be responsible for creating an outstanding culinary experience. In return, you will have the opportunity 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 feels 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 successfully meeting financial targets
• Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
• Adhering to 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 relevant 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
• Maintain 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 focused on helping those in education 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, and all employees are expected to share this commitment. Employment offers are 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 their suitability to work with children.

Job Reference: com/1707/(phone number removed)/(phone number removed)/SU Schools

At Compass Group UK&I, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves at work and have equal opportunities to advance their careers. We celebrate the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all team members, aiming to create a culture where colleagues feel valued, empowered, and able to reach their full potential—because diversity is our strength!