Head Chef

Compass Group PLC; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider is looking for an experienced Head Chef to manage a busy kitchen operation in Manchester. In this role, you will oversee daily operations, develop quality menus with seasonal produce, and maintain high standards of food hygiene. You will lead and inspire your team in a supportive environment that promotes work-life balance, with competitive pay and numerous benefits including wellness classes and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive pay at £16.76 per hour

40 hours per week

No weekends or late nights

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on grocery shopping

Cash rewards for spending

Free wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role, ideally in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to lead and train a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations and service delivery.
• Plan and develop menus using fresh, seasonal produce.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and food cost targets.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team.
• Maintain high standards of consistency, quality, and presentation.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food safety compliance

Stock management

Team motivation

Job description

Overview

As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene. You will lead, train, and inspire a skilled kitchen team while maintaining smooth, efficient service in a fast-paced but structured environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations and service delivery
• Plan and develop menus using fresh, seasonal produce
• Manage stock control, ordering, and food cost targets
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
• Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team
• Maintain high standards of consistency, quality, and presentation

We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead a well-established weekday kitchen operation in Manchester. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate chef who values fresh, high-quality food, efficient service, and positive team leadership, without the demands of evening or weekend work.

About the employer

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Benefits and details

• Competitive pay at £16.76 per hour
• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday only
• No weekends or late nights - excellent work-life balance
• A supportive working environment with a strong team culture
• The opportunity to lead and shape menus focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients
• 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