Chef Manager - Newmarket

Eurest; Newmarket; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Eurest is recruiting a Chef Manager for Godolphin to lead a catering operation with a hands-on kitchen approach, ensuring quality, consistency and value for customers.

You will manage the team, build client relationships and maintain strong food safety and hygiene standards while driving commercial performance. The role features Monday–Friday daytime hours, offering a balanced work‑life pattern.

Qualifications

• Experience as Chef Manager or Head Chef in contract catering.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day catering operation.
• Lead hands-on with food preparation and service.
• Deliver appealing food offers.
• Develop and motivate the team.
• Build strong client relationships.
• Manage food costs, stock, labour, and budgets.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and hygiene.
• Ensure food safety, health and allergen procedures.
• Monitor feedback and improve catering.
• Complete audits and compliance checks.

Skills

Team leadership

Contract catering

Food cost management

Budget management

Communication skills

Hygiene standards

Job description

Chef Manager

Salary: Up to £38,000 per annum

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 3:30pm

About The Role

Are you a passionate chef and confident leader who knows what it takes to run a successful catering operation?

Eurest is looking for an experienced Chef Manager to join our team at Godolphin, bringing together a love of great food, strong commercial awareness and a real passion for delivering an excellent customer experience.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in contract catering who enjoys being hands‑on in the kitchen while taking ownership of the wider operation. You'll lead and develop your team, build strong relationships with the client and ensure the catering service delivers on quality, consistency and value.

With a Monday-to-Friday working pattern and daytime hours, this role offers a great opportunity to showcase your skills while enjoying a positive work-life balance.

What You'll Be Doing

• Take ownership of the day‑to‑day catering operation, ensuring a smooth and efficient service.
• Lead from the front, remaining hands‑on with food preparation, cooking and service.
• Deliver a fresh, appealing food offer that keeps customers coming back.
• Lead, motivate and develop your team, creating a positive and supportive working environment.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring expectations are consistently met.
• Manage food costs, stock control, ordering, labour and budgets to achieve financial targets.
• Maintain excellent standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and cleanliness.
• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety and allergen procedures.
• Monitor customer feedback and identify opportunities to improve the catering offer.
• Complete all required audits, compliance checks and operational paperwork.

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 as a Chef Manager, Head Chef or in a similar leadership role.
• Essential: Contract catering experience.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Good commercial awareness, including food cost, stock and budget management.
• A passion for fresh, quality food and excellent customer service.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management and hygiene standards.
• A hands‑on, flexible approach and the confidence to lead by example

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join Eurest at Godolphin and bring your passion for great food, people and service to the team!