Chef Manager: Lead Kitchen, Menus & Cost Control

Blue Arrow; Northfleet; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday including bank hols

Your birthday off

Free meals on shift

Enhanced maternity and family leave

3 paid volunteering days

Apprenticeship and development

Pension and life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing support hub

Cycle to Work Scheme

Perkbox discounts

Job summary

Blue Arrow in Gravesend is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead a high-volume kitchen operation in a contract catering setting. You will manage the team, develop menu concepts, and ensure top quality food and service while controlling costs and maintaining compliance.

The role requires strong people leadership, budgeting know-how, and a passion for delivering great food in a fast-paced environment. A stable site operation and excellent customer relations are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Catering Manager, or Head Chef within contract catering.
• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• Demonstrable experience managing kitchen budgets, stock, and food costs.
• Excellent culinary and menu development abilities.
• Good understanding of food safety and health & safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a team of chefs, cooks, and front of house colleagues.
• Planning and delivering innovative, fresh, and engaging menus.
• Managing food preparation and presentation to the highest standards.
• Controlling food costs, stock levels, ordering, and kitchen budgets.
• Monitoring wastage and implementing cost-saving initiatives.
• Building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Ensuring full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards.
• Driving customer satisfaction through excellent food and service delivery.
• Maintaining accurate operational and compliance records.
• Supporting continuous improvement and menu development initiatives.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Menu development

Communication

Customer service

Commercial awareness

Job description

Blue Arrow in Gravesend is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead a high-volume kitchen operation in a contract catering setting. You will manage the team, develop menu concepts, and ensure top quality food and service while controlling costs and maintaining compliance.

The role requires strong people leadership, budgeting know-how, and a passion for delivering great food in a fast-paced environment. A stable site operation and excellent customer relations are essential.