Chef Manager - Spennymoor

Chartwells Independent; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I in Spennymoor is seeking a hands-on Chef Manager who can run the catering operation end-to-end, from menu planning and team leadership to client relationships and service delivery. You will balance culinary excellence with commercial oversight, ensuring quality and compliance across the site.

You’ll cook with passion, manage costs and staff, and drive a culture of great food and service while representing the client and our regional teams with professionalism.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong operational experience.
• A passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high-quality service delivery.
• Great communication and leadership skills to inspire others.
• 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.

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

Head Chef

Chef Manager

Team leadership

Financial acumen

Client relationships

Job description

Chef Manager

Location: Spennymoor, County Durham
Salary: Up to £31,320 per annum (DOE)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

This role includes working 4 days at site and 1 day per week supporting other sites within the region. Therefore a driving licence and access to a vehicle is required.

Personality behind every plate

Great food starts with great people. From our chefs bringing creativity and personality to every plate, to the teams who make it all happen, our people are what make Dine, Dine. With Northern roots and teams across the UK, we’re proud to do things the Dine way – personal, passionate and always food-first.

We’re looking for aChef Manager who can do more than cook to join ourDineteam inSpennymoor. 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.

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 Head Chef or Chef Manager 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/2809/40996001/52526251/SU #DINE

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!