Chef Manager - Mildenhall

Chartwells Independent; Mildenhall; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking an experienced Chef Manager in Mildenhall, Suffolk. This hands-on role combines kitchen leadership with responsibility for the wider catering operation, delivering high-quality food and a strong client relationship.

You will lead daily catering activities, manage costs and waste, and uphold food safety and HACCP standards in a client-facing setting.

Qualifications

• Contract catering experience is essential.
• Previous experience as Chef Manager or Head Chef.
• Strong leadership and client relationships.
• Good knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• 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 and HACCP standards.
• Support menu planning and development, keeping the food offer fresh and engaging.
• Ensure the kitchen and wider operation consistently meet Compass Group standards.
• Take a hands-on approach while confidently managing the operational and people responsibilities of the role.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety & HACCP

Communication

Organisational skills

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 and HACCP standards.
• Support menu planning and development, keeping the food offer fresh and engaging.
• Ensure the kitchen and wider operation consistently meet Compass Group standards.
• Take a hands‑on approach while confidently managing the operational and 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 and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Good commercial awareness, including food cost and stock management.
• A passion for fresh, quality food and excellent customer service.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• A hands‑on, flexible approach and 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 and daytime hours, giving you a fantastic work-life balance.

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