Chef Manager | Lead a High-Performing Kitchen & Team

Chartwells Independent; Reigate; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals

Free onsite parking

Contributory pension

Career development

Digital GP & healthcare

Travel discounts

Food shopping discounts

Cinema discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Friends & family offers

Job summary

Chartwells Independent in Reigate is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the kitchen and day-to-day operations. You will ensure exceptional food quality, service, and client experience while hands-on in the kitchen and guiding a high-performing team.

The role requires strong culinary skill, commercial awareness, and ability to manage budgets, costs, and stock. You’ll promote safety compliance and drive revenue growth in a contract catering environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef, or accomplished Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a genuine passion for delivering high-quality food.
• A hands‑on leader who enjoys motivating, developing, and inspiring others.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets and controlling costs.
• The ability to build positive client relationships and deliver excellent customer service.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• A thorough understanding of health & safety and food safety legislation.
• Experience within contract catering would be an advantage, although it’s not essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer service.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring their expectations are exceeded.
• Manage budgets, food costs, GP, and overall financial performance.
• Oversee stock control, purchasing, and waste reduction to maximise efficiency.
• Drive retail and hospitality sales, identifying opportunities to grow revenue.
• Lead, inspire, and develop your team, creating a positive and high-performing culture.
• Ensure full compliance with health & safety, food safety, and company procedures.
• Monitor operational performance, using data and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Act as a brand ambassador, promoting the site and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Skills

Chef management

Head Chef

Sous Chef

Culinary skills

Hands-on leadership

Commercial awareness

Budget control

Client relations

Customer service

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Health & safety

Contract catering

Job description

Chartwells Independent in Reigate is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the kitchen and day-to-day operations. You will ensure exceptional food quality, service, and client experience while hands-on in the kitchen and guiding a high-performing team.

The role requires strong culinary skill, commercial awareness, and ability to manage budgets, costs, and stock. You’ll promote safety compliance and drive revenue growth in a contract catering environment.