Chef Manager - Blackburn

Dine Contract Catering Ltd; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 28,798 - 35,197; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exciting culinary pathways

Mentoring and development opportunities

Job summary

A leading catering company seeks a Chef Manager for weekdays in Blackburn. The ideal candidate will lead all aspects of catering operations, manage food costs, and foster client relationships. This role demands proven leadership ability and a passion for high-quality service delivery. Competitive salary of up to £31,998 per annum offered. Join a team dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with operational experience.
• Passion for fresh food and high-quality service delivery.
• Strong understanding of P&L, cost control, and business KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance.
• Lead and develop your team to deliver excellent service.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health standards.

Skills

Operational management

Leadership

Food cost management

Client relationship management

Communication

Job description

Chef Manager - Weekdays Only!

Location: Blackburn

Salary: Up to £31,998 per annum (DOE)

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

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.

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.

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 to our clients, 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.

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!