Chef Manager - Luton

Equipment Sales & Service Limited.; Ideford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a hands-on catering operation with a focus on food quality, service excellence and commercial performance.

You'll oversee menu planning, budgeting, team leadership and client relationships, delivering outstanding experiences while maintaining compliance and cost control. This role demands energy, clear communication and a passion for fresh, seasonal food.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager with strong operational experience.
• Passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high-quality service.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Strong ownership, client relationship skills, and business KPIs understanding.
• Experience with P&L, cost control, and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance to front of house.
• Lead, develop and motivate your team to deliver excellent service daily.
• Manage food costs, margins, waste and labour with commercial precision.
• Build relationships with clients and guests to exceed expectations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company standards.

Skills

Chef Manager

Operational leadership

People management

Financial acumen

Job description

We're looking for a Chef Manager who can do more than cook. This is a role for a hands-on leader who's as confident at the stove as they are in a client meeting, someone who understands how to run a business, manage a team, and deliver food that delights. As the heartbeat of the site, you'll oversee every aspect of the catering operation, from menu planning and team leadership to client relationships, budgets, compliance, and service delivery. You'll cook with passion, lead with purpose, and run the outlet like it's your own.

What You'll Be Doing:

• 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, exceeding expectations and delivering service with an 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.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager 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. You build trust, lead by example, and bring out the best in your team.

Hungry for more?

We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real-time mentoring, hands-on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it's a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.

If you're a driven and passionate chef eager to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Reference: com/#####/45364001/52831197/SU

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!