Head Chef - Canterbury

TieTalent; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering management company in Canterbury is seeking a Food Production Manager to lead operations across various outlets. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in culinary management, team leadership, and a strong passion for food quality and customer service. You'll innovate menus and ensure the profitability of food production while promoting a culture of health and safety. Join us to make a significant impact in the catering industry.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Health benefits

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Qualifications

• Experience leading successful teams.
• Expert culinary skills.
• Business management experience in a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead food production operations across multiple outlets.
• Develop, innovate, and approve menus.
• Manage delivery of VIP functions and events.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Budget management

Customer service

Education

City & Guilds 706/1, 2 or NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

About

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

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development through 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 more
• Discounts on groceries at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cash rewards for spending, redeemable across various brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts and offers with friends and family

Overall Purpose of the Role

• Lead food production operations across multiple large and complex outlets, ensuring quality and profitability
• Drive technology-based ordering solutions

Duties/Tasks

• Develop, innovate, and approve menus
• Manage delivery of VIP functions and events
• Maintain consistent food quality standards
• Meet all contractual SLA regarding food offerings
• Support hospitality and catering services on campus
• Enhance sales and customer experience through technology
• Lead health & safety culture across food operations
• Achieve food production, labor, and GP targets
• Contribute to continuous contract performance improvements
• Lead teams through effective communication and performance management
• Recruit, train, and develop team members, supporting succession planning and apprenticeship programs
• Manage food purchasing and stock effectively
• Perform any other reasonably requested tasks

Person Specification

• Ability to lead, manage, and develop teams
• Operate within guidelines and procedures to maximize team potential
• Consistently strive to exceed expectations
• Commitment to delivering high-quality service and food
• Drive to achieve results professionally and honestly

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• City & Guilds 706/1, 2 or NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Experience leading successful teams
• Influential leadership skills
• Experience as an Exec or Head Chef at a similar level
• Innovative and strategic in food planning and menu development
• Passion for food and customer service
• Knowledge of budgeting and achieving GP
• Expert culinary skills
• Business management experience in a kitchen environment

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells provides catering and support services to the education sector, serving millions of nutritious meals weekly across the UK. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive.

Job Reference: com/2407/43152001/52752177/SU #Universities

Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

Work experience in General Management and Project Management is preferred. Fluency in English is required.