Chef Manager - Stevenage

Dine Contract Catering; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering company in Stevenage is seeking a Chef Manager to lead daily operations, oversee menus and team management, and ensure high-quality service. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for fresh food, and financial acumen to manage costs and client relationships effectively. This role is perfect for someone looking to excel in a dynamic environment that values sustainability and quality ingredients. Full-time, weekdays only, with a salary up to £34,000 annually.

Benefits

Culinary pathways for career growth

Real-time mentoring

Recognition for qualifications

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager.
• Passion for fresh food and high-quality service.
• Strong financial understanding including P&L and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation, including food, finance, and service.
• Lead and develop the team for excellent daily service.
• Manage food costs, margins, waste, and labor efficiently.

Skills

Operational experience

Team leadership

Financial acumen

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Job description

Chef Manager - Weekdays Only!

Location: Stevenage

Salary: Up to £34,000 per annum, depending on experience

Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm

For more information about careers at Dine Contract Catering and our benefits please visit: Careers at Dine Contract Catering

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. This site provides a breakfast, lunch and vending for our client.

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 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.

Personality behind every plate

Dine provides tailored food services to 140 clients in the business and industry sector. With over two decades of industry experience, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised approach to our clients, whilst delivering outstanding service. Our passion lies in creating great‑tasting menus, promoting sustainability, and proudly working with local suppliers and communities. That's why our menus feature only locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with a target of reaching Climate Zero by 2030.

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!