Chef Manager - Ipswich

Dine Contract Catering; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Dine Contract Catering in Ipswich is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a hands-on operation, combining cooking excellence with business oversight. You’ll manage menu planning, team leadership, client relationships and service delivery, ensuring the operation runs like it’s your own.

You’ll bring strong operational experience, passion for fresh food, and leadership skills to drive high standards, cost control and quality across the site.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operational experience.
• Passion for delivering high-quality service and fresh food.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Chef leadership

Operational management

Team motivation

Client relationship management

Financial acumen

Job description

Chef Manager

Location: Ipswich
Salary: Up to £32,300 per annum, depending on experience
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Personality behind every plate. Food first. Always.

At Dine, food isn’t an add‑on. It’s the centre of everything we do.

Founded in the Northwest in 1997, Dine Contract Catering was built by chefs and food lovers who believed workplace dining could be something more. Today, that chef‑led, food‑first mindset still defines us.

We’re a business where chefs are empowered to create, bringing together seasonal ingredients, local suppliers and bold ideas to deliver food experiences with real personality, purpose and pride. Every offer is tailored. Every menu has intent.

About the role

We’re looking for a Chef Manager who can do more than cook. 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.

Job Reference: com/0708/99809001/52825406/SU #DINE

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!