Chef Manager: Lead Kitchen, Menus & Client Relations

Dine Contract Catering Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real-time mentoring

Hands-on experience

Recognised qualifications

Job summary

Dine Contract Catering Ltd in Ipswich is seeking a Chef Manager to run a hands-on, client-facing catering operation. You will lead the kitchen, manage a team, and ensure menus, service, and financials align with our standards.

You will oversee menu planning, budgeting, compliance, and client relationships, delivering exceptional food experiences with passion and leadership. This role requires strong operational and people management skills.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 delivering service with 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.

Skills

Experience as Chef Manager/Head Chef

Leadership

Cost control / P&L

Client relationship management

Food safety & compliance

Menu planning

Job description

Dine Contract Catering Ltd in Ipswich is seeking a Chef Manager to run a hands-on, client-facing catering operation. You will lead the kitchen, manage a team, and ensure menus, service, and financials align with our standards.

You will oversee menu planning, budgeting, compliance, and client relationships, delivering exceptional food experiences with passion and leadership. This role requires strong operational and people management skills.