Chef Manager - Mildenhall

Compass Group UK; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking an experienced Chef Manager for a hands-on role in Mildenhall, Suffolk. The position offers a Monday–Friday daytime schedule (7:30am–3:30pm) with up to £38,000 per annum. You will lead the kitchen and catering service, ensuring high standards of food, service, people and compliance.

You’ll manage a team, work closely with the client and take ownership of day-to-day operations while maintaining excellent food safety and cost controls.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Chef Manager, Head Chef or similar in contract catering.
• Contract catering experience is essential.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to build strong client relationships.
• Good knowledge of food safety and HACCP standards.
• Hands-on, front-facing leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring a smooth service.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality food for customers.
• Lead, motivate and develop your team, creating a positive working environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the client and key stakeholders.
• Work closely with the client to understand their needs and deliver an excellent customer experience.
• Manage ordering, stock, food costs and waste effectively.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene & HACCP standards.
• Support menu planning & development, keeping the food offer fresh & engaging.
• Ensure the kitchen and wider operation consistently meet Compass Group standards.
• Take a hands-on approach while confidently managing the operational & people responsibilities of the role.

Skills

Leadership & people management

Contract catering experience

Client relationship management

Food safety & HACCP

Communication

Job description

Chef Manager

Up to £38,000 per annum | Monday to Friday | 7:30am – 3:30pm

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to join our team in Mildenhall, Suffolk.

This is a fantastic Monday to Friday opportunity for a chef who enjoys being hands-on in the kitchen while also taking responsibility for the wider catering operation. You’ll play a key role in delivering fresh, high-quality food, leading your team and building a strong, trusted relationship with our client.

As Chef Manager, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen and catering service, ensuring high standards across food, service, people and compliance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring a smooth and efficient service.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality food for customers.
• Lead, motivate and develop your team, creating a positive working environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the client and key stakeholders.
• Work closely with the client to understand their needs and deliver an excellent customer experience.
• Manage ordering, stock, food costs and waste effectively.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene & HACCP standards.
• Support menu planning & development, keeping the food offer fresh & engaging.
• Ensure the kitchen and wider operation consistently meet Compass Group standards.
• Take a hands-on approach while confidently managing the operational & people responsibilities of the role.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a confident Chef Manager with previous contract catering experience who understands what it takes to run a successful catering operation.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience working as a Chef Manager, Head Chef or similar.
• Contract catering experience is essential.
• Strong leadership & team management skills.
• Excellent communication & organisational skills.
• The ability to build & maintain strong client relationships.
• Good commercial awareness, including food cost & stock management.
• A passion for fresh, quality food & excellent customer service.
• Strong knowledge of food safety & hygiene standards.
• A hands-on, flexible approach & the ability to lead from the front.

Why Join Compass Group UK?

This is a great opportunity to join a leading foodservice organisation in a role offering Monday to Friday working & daytime hours, giving you a fantastic work-life balance.

If you’re an experienced Chef Manager who enjoys leading people, creating great food & building strong client partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.