Chef Manager - Rugby

14forty; Rugby; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

14Forty in Rugby is seeking a hands-on Chef Manager who can do more than cook. You’ll run the catering operation, plan menus, lead the team, manage client relationships and budgets to deliver food that delights.

You’ll oversee service from Breakfast to Dinner, drive cost control, compliance, and high-quality service. A strong leader with financial acumen will thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef with strong operational experience.
• Experience managing food costs, margins, waste and labour.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage client relationships and deliver high-quality service.
• Understanding of P&L and business KPIs.

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 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.

Skills

Chef management

Team leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Client relationships

Job description

Chef Manager

Location: Rugby

Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum, depending on experience

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 3:30pm

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, Lunch and Dinner service between 8:30am and 6pm
• Vending

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/3009/92470001/52724292/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!