Chef Manager - Manchester

Compass Group UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I in Manchester is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a busy catering operation on weekdays. You will oversee everything from menu planning to client relationships, ensuring excellent service and strong financial performance.

This hands-on leader role requires passion for fresh food, team development, and a sharp eye for costs, KPIs, and operational excellence. Monday–Friday, 6:30–15:00, 40 hours per week, with a focus on delivering high-quality service.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager with strong operational experience.
• Passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high-quality service.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, you inspire others with your energy.
• Strong financial acumen, P&L, cost control and business KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance to front of house, including event planning.
• 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 clients and guests, exceeding expectations.
• 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

Chef Manager experience

Leadership

Communication

Financial acumen

P&L understanding

Cost control

Client relationships

Job description

Chef Manager - Weekdays Only!
Location:Manchester
Salary:Up to £28,664 per annum, depending on experience
Working Pattern:40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 6:30 to 15:00

Please note this site does not have a car park, a pay and display car park is located next to the site. Train and bus routes available.

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.

Services: breakfast, lunch, hospitality, coffee shop and retail.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance to front of house including event planning for hospitality bookings.
• 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.

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.
• Ideally has experience overseeing coffee shop and retail outlets.
• 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.

Personality behind every plate

Dine provides tailored food services to 140 clients in the business and industry sector. With over two decades of industry experience, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised approach to our clients, whilst delivering outstanding service. Our passion lies in creating great-tasting menus, promoting sustainability, and proudly working with local suppliers and communities. That's why our menus feature only locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with a target of reaching Climate Zero.

Job Reference: com/0705/99887001/52474197/SU #DINE

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!