Head Chef - Lead a High-Volume Contract Kitchen (Manchester)

Compass Group UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Healthcare for you and family

Travel discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking a Contract Catering Head Chef to lead a newly mobilised Manchester site, taking ownership of a fast‑paced kitchen in a corporate dining environment and shaping menus from day one.

You will mentor and manage the kitchen team, set high standards, coordinate hospitality, events and daily service, and deliver exceptional food quality through hands‑on leadership in a high‑volume operation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Head Chef or similar senior kitchen position
• Ideally at least 2 years' experience at Head Chef level
• Experience within B&I, corporate or contract catering
• Strong experience in high-volume kitchen environments
• Excellent leadership, communication and team management skills
• Passion for high-quality food and creative menu development
• Confident to own and shape a new site’s kitchen operation

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for a full production kitchen within a busy staff dining environment
• Lead the kitchen team, setting high standards and creating a positive, motivated culture
• Manage hospitality, events and functions, ensuring consistently high-quality service
• Deliver exceptional food standards across a high-volume operation
• Develop and mentor your team, supporting their progression and development
• Create fresh, healthy and innovative menus reflecting current trends
• Get hands-on across all areas of the kitchen operation when required
• Drive consistency, efficiency and excellent food quality
• Collaborate with the wider team to mobilise the site and drive ongoing success

Skills

Senior leadership

Kitchen management

Menu development

High‑volume environment

Communication

Job description

Compass Group UK is seeking a Contract Catering Head Chef to lead a newly mobilised Manchester site, taking ownership of a fast‑paced kitchen in a corporate dining environment and shaping menus from day one.

You will mentor and manage the kitchen team, set high standards, coordinate hospitality, events and daily service, and deliver exceptional food quality through hands‑on leadership in a high‑volume operation.