Chef Manager - Blackburn

Equipment Sales & Service Limited.; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Equipment Sales & Service Limited. in Blackburn is seeking a Chef Manager who can do more than cook, combining culinary excellence with business leadership. You will run the catering operation hands-on, shape menus, manage a team, and deliver service that delights clients and guests.

You'll own the operation end-to-end, from food safety and compliance to budgets and client relationships, driving profitability while mentoring your team and elevating standards across the site.

Qualifications

• Experience as Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operations.
• Proven ability to manage catering from menus to delivery.
• Hands-on leader comfortable in client meetings and kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full catering operation from food to finance to front of house.
• Lead and motivate team to deliver excellent service daily.
• Manage food costs, margins, waste and labour with commercial precision.
• Build relationships with clients and guests, understanding needs and delivering impact.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards.
• Drive consistency and quality across kitchen and operation.

Skills

Team leadership

Budgeting

Cost control

P&L understanding

Food safety knowledge

Communication skills

Job description

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 is 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.
• 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.