Chef Manager: Lead Kitchen, Team & Client Relationships

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

Job summary

Dine Contract Catering in Ipswich is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a hands-on catering operation, blending kitchen excellence with client-facing leadership. You will manage teams, menus, budgets and service delivery to ensure outstanding food experiences on site.

As the heartbeat of the site, you’ll drive food quality, compliance, and client relationships, delivering results with pride and ownership in every service.

Qualifications

• Experience leading catering operations and teams.
• Strong ability to manage budgets and cost controls.
• Proven leadership and communication skills.
• Experience building enduring client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to front of house and finance.
• Lead, develop and motivate your team to deliver excellent service daily.
• Manage food costs, margins, waste and labour with commercial precision.
• Build strong relationships with clients and guests, understanding their needs and delivering impact.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company standards.
• Drive consistency and quality across the kitchen and wider catering operation.

Skills

Chef management

Food quality

Leadership

Client relations

Financial acumen

People management

Job description

Dine Contract Catering in Ipswich is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a hands-on catering operation, blending kitchen excellence with client-facing leadership. You will manage teams, menus, budgets and service delivery to ensure outstanding food experiences on site.

As the heartbeat of the site, you’ll drive food quality, compliance, and client relationships, delivering results with pride and ownership in every service.