Chef Manager - Luton

Eurest UK; Luton; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Eurest UK is seeking a Chef Manager in Luton who can do more than cook. This hands-on leader will run the kitchen and the operation, manage a team and maintain excellent client relationships.

You’ll work closely with the General Manager, shaping the catering offer and driving service standards. You’ll oversee menu planning, budgeting, and compliance, while delivering high-quality food and a memorable guest experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a hands-on approach.
• Financial acumen including P&L, budgeting and cost control.
• Passion for fresh ingredients and high-quality service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering operation from menu planning to service delivery.
• Lead and develop the kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Manage food costs, margins and labour with commercial precision.
• Build strong client relationships and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Collaborate with General Manager to shape contract direction and growth.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Cost control

Food safety

Job description

Chef Manager

Salary: £30,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Luton

Contract: 40 hours, 7-day operation

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.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly launched contract, helping to shape and develop the catering offer from the very beginning. You'll play a key role in creating a fantastic food experience for customers while building strong relationships with stakeholders and leading a high-performing team.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on the success of the contract while benefiting from ongoing support, development, and clear opportunities for career progression as the contract and wider business continue to grow.

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.
• Manage 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.
• Work closely with the General Manager to help shape the future direction and success of the catering offer.

What You'll Bring To The Table

• 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.
• The ambition and drive to grow with a developing contract and embrace new opportunities as they arise.

Hungry for More?

This isn't just another Chef Manager role. It's an opportunity to be part of an exciting new contract where you can make your mark, influence the guest experience, and grow your career alongside a developing operation.

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/2210/45364001/52831197/R/SU #Eurest

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!