Chef Manager - Blackburn

Dine Contract Catering; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in Blackburn is seeking a Chef Manager to oversee the full catering operation. Responsibilities include team leadership, client relationship management, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate has proven experience in food service management and a passion for high-quality fresh food. Join us to lead a talented team and drive operational excellence in our dynamic catering environment.

Benefits

Exciting culinary pathways for team members

Real-time mentoring and hands-on experience

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operational experience.
• A passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high-quality service delivery.
• Strong financial acumen. You understand P&L, cost control, and business KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance.
• Lead, develop and motivate your team to deliver excellent service.
• Build strong relationships with clients and guests.

Skills

Leadership

Food service management

Client relationship management

Operational efficiency

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Job description

Chef Manager - Weekdays Only!

Location: Blackburn

Salary: Up to £28,500 per annum (DOE)

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (Closed bank holidays and all over Christmas)

Overview

We’re looking for a Chef Manager who can do more than cook to join our Dine team in Blackburn. This is a role for a hands‑on leader who’s as confident at the stove as they are in a client meeting, someone who understands how to run a business, manage a team, and deliver food that delights.

As the heartbeat of the site, you’ll oversee every aspect of the catering operation, from menu planning and team leadership to client relationships, budgets, compliance, and service delivery. You’ll cook with passion, lead with purpose, and run the outlet like it’s your own.

Dine provides tailored food services to 140 clients in the business and industry sector. With over two decades of industry experience, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised approach, whilst delivering outstanding service. Our passion lies in creating great‑tasting menus, promoting sustainability, and proudly working with local suppliers and communities. That’s why our menus feature only locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with a target of reaching Climate Zero by 2030.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance to front of house.
• Lead, develop and motivate your team to deliver excellent service every day.
• Managing food costs, margins, waste and labour with commercial precision.
• Build strong relationships with our clients and guests. Understanding their needs, exceeding expectations and delivering service with an impact.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company standards at all times.
• Drive consistency and quality across the kitchen and wider catering operation.

What you’ll bring to the table:

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operational experience.
• A passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high‑quality service delivery.
• Great communication and leadership skills, you inspire others with your energy.
• A strong sense of ownership and ability to manage client relationships.
• Strong financial acumen. You understand P&L, cost control, and business KPIs.
• Excellent communication and people management skills. You build trust, lead by example, and bring out the best in your team.

Hungry for more?

We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real‑time mentoring, hands‑on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it’s a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.

For more information about careers at Dine Contract Catering and our benefits please visit: Careers at Dine Contract Catering

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!