Head Chef Manager

JR Recruitment; Marlow; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mon-Fri daytime hours

No weekend work

Autonomy in menus

Input into catering operation

Job summary

JR Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef Manager in Marlow to lead a busy catering operation. The role combines hands-on cooking with team leadership, menu planning, stock control and rigorous food safety standards.

The successful candidate will manage a small team, plan weekly menus, monitor costs and maintain excellent quality and customer service during Monday–Friday daytime hours.

Qualifications

• Hands-on cooking and food preparation experience.
• Experience leading or supervising a small catering team.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures.
• Experience planning menus and controlling food costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organise a small catering team throughout the working day.
• Prepare and oversee a varied breakfast and lunch offering.
• Plan practical and appealing weekly menus.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and customer service.
• Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries and supplier requirements.
• Monitor portion control, food costs and waste.
• Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene and allergen control.
• Maintain accurate food safety and compliance records.
• Train and support team members to maintain standards.
• Review customer feedback and sales to develop the offering.
• Provide hands-on cooking and service support during busy periods.
• Identify ways to improve efficiency, quality and commercial performance.

Skills

Hands-on cooking

Team leadership

Menu planning

Stock control

Food safety

Allergen control

Communication

Record keeping

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

Job description

Head Chef Manager

Location: Marlow

Salary: £35,000-£42,000 depending on experience

Job Type: Permanent

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am-4:30pm

We're looking for an experienced and hands‑on Head Chef Manager to join a busy catering operation in Marlow. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves food and enjoys leading a small team, but is looking for consistent Monday-to-Friday daytime hours without the usual late nights and regular weekends. You'll take responsibility for the day-to-day operation, combining hands‑on cooking with team leadership, menu planning, stock control and maintaining excellent food safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities of the Head Chef Manager

• Lead and organise a small catering team throughout the working day
• Prepare and oversee a varied breakfast and lunch food offering
• Plan practical and appealing weekly menus
• Maintain excellent food quality, presentation and customer service
• Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries and supplier requirements
• Monitor portion control, food costs and waste
• Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene and allergen control
• Maintain accurate food safety and compliance records
• Train and support team members to maintain consistent standards
• Review customer feedback and sales to help develop the food offering
• Provide hands‑on cooking and service support during busy periods
• Help identify ways to improve efficiency, quality and commercial performance

Key Requirements of the Head Chef Manager

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Chef Manager, Catering Manager or similar
• Strong hands‑on cooking and food preparation experience
• Previous experience leading or supervising a small team
• Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures
• Experience managing stock, ordering and food waste
• Confident planning menus and controlling food costs
• Organised with good attention to detail
• Friendly and confident with strong communication skills
• Comfortable with paperwork, systems and compliance records
• Calm and hands‑on during busy service periods
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification or willingness to obtain this

What's on offer

• £35,000-£42,000 depending on experience
• Permanent, full-time position
• Monday to Friday, 7:00am-4:30pm
• No regular weekend working
• No split shifts or late nights
• Plenty of responsibility and autonomy
• Opportunity to have a real input into menus and the wider catering operation