Fixed Term Chef Manager - Northfleet

Compass Group UK; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking a fixed-term Chef Manager for a 6-month contract in Northfleet. The ideal candidate will lead kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality catering services while managing costs and a skilled team. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are included.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

Digital GP access for immediate family

Travel discounts

Grocery shopping discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards program

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Current Chef Manager or Head Chef ready to step up.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and compliance.
• Experience in managing stock and achieving financial targets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day culinary operations including preparation and service.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, food safety, and HACCP standards.
• Manage a team of 5, including rotas and performance reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen Operations

Food Safety Compliance

Profitability Management

Job description

Fixed Term Chef Manager - Northfleet

6 Months Fixed Term Contract

Salary: £32,000 | Working pattern: 5 out of 7 days, including occasional weekends and night shifts

Employees on Site: 5 | Direct Reports: 5 | Customers on Site: 300-400

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Chef Manager to join our team in Northfleet. This is a hands-on leadership position ideal for someone currently working as a Head Chef who’s ready to step up, or an established Chef Manager looking for a new challenge.

You’ll be responsible for managing the day-to-day kitchen operation, delivering high-quality catering services across multiple meal periods, ensuring food safety and compliance, managing costs and labour, and motivating a small but skilled team.

About the role

• Oversee day-to-day culinary operations including preparation, service, and hygiene standards
  
• Ensure full compliance with HSE, food safety, and HACCP standards
  
• Maintain accurate stock levels and place timely orders with approved suppliers
  
• Control P&L, meet budget targets, and ensure stock and labour efficiency
  
• Use Ourtime for workforce scheduling and time management
  
• Drive profitability through effective portion control, waste reduction, and PCI compliance
  
• Manage a team of 5, including rotas, performance reviews, and staff development
  
• Foster a culture of excellence, safety, and teamwork
  

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is either a current Chef Manager or a Head Chef ready to step up
• Has a strong understanding of kitchen operations, compliance, and profitability
• Demonstrates leadership skills with the ability to manage rotas and motivate a team
• Has experience managing stock, ordering, and achieving financial targets
• Thrives in a fast-paced, multi-service catering environment

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

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!