Chef Manager - Lead High-Volume Catering & Team Growth

Aramark UK; Epsom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance

Pension contributions

Holiday entitlement

Online benefits platform

Job summary

Aramark UK is seeking a Chef Manager to lead our catering operation at NESCOT College in Surrey. This role combines culinary leadership, people management and commercial awareness to deliver high-quality food and outstanding student and staff experiences.

You will manage kitchen operations, ensure food safety and compliance, drive budgets and develop the team, while building strong client relationships and promoting continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Chef Manager or similar leadership role in high-volume catering.
• Strong culinary knowledge and ability to deliver high-quality food and customer experiences.
• Sound understanding of food safety, hygiene, allergen management and health & safety regulations.
• Demonstrable experience managing budgets, controlling food and labour costs, and reducing waste.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Valid DBS check (or willingness to obtain one) and Food Hygiene Level 3 qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring efficient food production and service delivery.
• Inspire, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to maintain high standards of performance and customer service.
• Oversee the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance with dietary and allergen requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and company policies, maintaining accurate records and audit standards.
• Manage kitchen budgets, food costs, and labour expenditure to achieve financial targets.
• Control stock ordering, inventory management, and waste reduction through effective stock rotation and operational planning.
• Build strong relationships with clients and customers, acting as the main point of contact and responding to queries and feedback.
• Support catering events, special dietary requests, and client meetings while driving continuous improvement and business growth opportunities.

Skills

Chef leadership

High-volume catering

Food safety

Budget management

Team development

Allergen management

Education

Food Hygiene Level 3

Enhanced DBS check

Job description

Aramark UK is seeking a Chef Manager to lead our catering operation at NESCOT College in Surrey. This role combines culinary leadership, people management and commercial awareness to deliver high-quality food and outstanding student and staff experiences.

You will manage kitchen operations, ensure food safety and compliance, drive budgets and develop the team, while building strong client relationships and promoting continuous improvement.