Chef Manager - Preston

14forty; Preston; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I in Preston is seeking a Chef Manager to lead a catering operation with a strong focus on menu planning, team development, and client relations. You will manage from food to front of house, ensuring service excellence while controlling costs. Working pattern is Monday to Friday, 7am–3pm.

The ideal candidate has proven Chef Manager or Head Chef experience, a passion for fresh ingredients, and strong leadership and financial acumen to drive KPIs and compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef 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.
• Excellent communication and people management skills. You build trust, lead by example, and bring out the best in your team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance to front of house.
• 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 needs and delivering 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.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relationships

Financial acumen

Food safety

Communication

Job description

Chef Manager

Location: Preston

Salary: Up to £31,049 per annum, depending on experience

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm

About The Role

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 and Lunch service between 8:15am and 1:30pm
• Hospitality
• Retail

What You’ll Be Doing

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance to front of house.
• 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 or Head Chef 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.
• 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.

Job Reference: com/0311/43447001/52843978/SU #14Forty

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!