Chef Manager: Lead Kitchen, Free Meals

Restaurant Associates UK; Reigate; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals

Free onsite parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Restaurant Associates UK is seeking a Chef Manager in Reigate to lead daily kitchen operations, maintain high food quality, and deliver an exceptional client experience. This hands-on role requires strong leadership and commercial awareness to manage costs and drive performance.

You will oversee a high-performing team, ensure safety compliance, and act as a brand ambassador across the site, contributing to continued client satisfaction and revenue growth.

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

Culinary leadership

Budget management

Client relationship management

Health & safety knowledge

Job description

Restaurant Associates UK is seeking a Chef Manager in Reigate to lead daily kitchen operations, maintain high food quality, and deliver an exceptional client experience. This hands-on role requires strong leadership and commercial awareness to manage costs and drive performance.

You will oversee a high-performing team, ensure safety compliance, and act as a brand ambassador across the site, contributing to continued client satisfaction and revenue growth.