Culinary Lead & Kitchen Ops Manager

Chartwells Independent; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is recruiting an ambitious Chef Manager to lead a busy catering operation on a full‑time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week. You will be responsible for delivering high quality food experiences, training teams, and driving improvements across service and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will hold City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent, be a brilliant communicator, able to lead by example, manage budgets and stock, and uphold health and safety standards at all times.

Qualifications

• Hold City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent.
• Be passionate about great food and customer service.
• Strong communicator with teams and clients.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain reliability.
• Demonstrate timekeeping and safety mindset.
• Ambitious and motivated with a desire to upskill.

Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights clients and customers
• Identifying opportunities to improve our food service
• Supporting and training teams, leading from the front to excel in their roles
• Delivering our food concepts to customers
• Ordering food, stock control and reducing waste
• Overseeing catering operations, inventories, and action plans
• Managing budgets and meeting financial targets
• Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards across teams

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Time management

Reliability

Safety minded

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or NVQ equivalent

Job description

Compass Group UK&I is recruiting an ambitious Chef Manager to lead a busy catering operation on a full‑time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week. You will be responsible for delivering high quality food experiences, training teams, and driving improvements across service and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will hold City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent, be a brilliant communicator, able to lead by example, manage budgets and stock, and uphold health and safety standards at all times.