Chef Manager: Lead Kitchen & Client Relationships

Chartwells Independent; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I in Ashbourne is seeking a hands-on Chef Manager to lead the catering operation with passion and commercial acumen. You’ll oversee menu planning, team leadership, client relationships, budgets and service delivery, cooking with excellence and running the outlet like your own.

We’re looking for a proven Chef Manager or Head Chef who can manage food costs, margins and labour while delivering high-quality service across breakfast, lunch and dinner service times.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operational experience.
• Great passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high-quality service delivery.
• Excellent communication and people management skills, you build trust and lead by example.

Responsibilities

• 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 and exceeding expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

People management

Financial acumen

Client relationships

Job description

Compass Group UK&I in Ashbourne is seeking a hands-on Chef Manager to lead the catering operation with passion and commercial acumen. You’ll oversee menu planning, team leadership, client relationships, budgets and service delivery, cooking with excellence and running the outlet like your own.

We’re looking for a proven Chef Manager or Head Chef who can manage food costs, margins and labour while delivering high-quality service across breakfast, lunch and dinner service times.