Chef Manager - Northfleet

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

Job summary

A leading catering company seeks an experienced Chef Manager for their site in Northfleet. This hands-on leadership role involves managing daily kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, and leading a dedicated team while achieving profitability targets. Ideal candidates may be current Chef Managers or Head Chefs ready for new challenges, thriving in fast-paced environments.

Benefits

Free meal on shift

Standard Compass Group benefits

Access to development and training opportunities

Qualifications

• Current Chef Manager or Head Chef ready to step up.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and compliance.
• Leadership skills to manage rotas and motivate the team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee culinary operations, ensuring high standards.
• Maintain compliance with food safety and HACCP.
• Control P&L and meet budget targets.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen Operations

Compliance

Profitability Management

Stock Management

Job description

Chef Manager - Northfleet
Salary: £32,000

Working pattern: 5 out of 7 days, including occasional weekends and night shifts

Employees on Site: 5 | Direct Reports: 5 | Customers on Site: 300-400

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Chef Manager to join our team in Northfleet. This is a hands-on leadership position ideal for someone currently working as a Head Chef who’s ready to step up, or an established Chef Manager looking for a new challenge.

You’ll be responsible for managing the day-to-day kitchen operation, delivering high-quality catering services across multiple meal periods, ensuring food safety and compliance, managing costs and labour, and motivating a small but skilled team.

About the role

• Oversee day-to-day culinary operations including preparation, service, and hygiene standards
  
• Ensure full compliance with HSE, food safety, and HACCP standards
  
• Maintain accurate stock levels and place timely orders with approved suppliers
  
• Control P&L, meet budget targets, and ensure stock and labour efficiency
  
• Use Ourtime for workforce scheduling and time management
  
• Drive profitability through effective portion control, waste reduction, and PCI compliance
  
• Manage a team of 5, including rotas, performance reviews, and staff development
  
• Foster a culture of excellence, safety, and teamwork
  

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is either a current Chef Manager or a Head Chef ready to step up
• Has a strong understanding of kitchen operations, compliance, and profitability
• Demonstrates leadership skills with the ability to manage rotas and motivate a team
• Has experience managing stock, ordering, and achieving financial targets
• Thrives in a fast-paced, multi-service catering environment

Benefits

Free meal on shift

Standard Compass Group benefits

Access to development and training opportunities

Interview Process

1st Stage - Microsoft Teams Interview
2nd Stage - On Site Interview & Trade Test