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Houston & Hawkes; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

Contributory pension scheme

Birthday off every year

Job summary

Houston & Hawkes in Stevenage is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our fresh food operation. You’ll manage a small kitchen team, stay hands-on with sandwich production, daily bistro dish and coffee service, and ensure food safety and presentation to a high standard.

You'll take ownership of menus, production planning, stock control and costs, while delivering warm, personal service and strong links with customers. Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Previous experience running or managing a kitchen, cafe or similar food-led operation.
• Strong cooking skills and a genuine passion for fresh food.
• Experience leading and supporting a small team.
• Confident with budgets, purchasing, stock and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day catering operation, leading a small and close-knit team.
• Prepare and deliver fresh sandwiches, a daily bistro dish, baking and hospitality.
• Bring creativity and variety to the food offer while maintaining high standards.
• Lead from the kitchen while supporting the coffee bar and wider operation.
• Ensure food is fresh, beautifully presented and ready for service each day.
• Plan menus, production and purchasing effectively.

Skills

Cooking skills

Team leadership

Budgeting

Stock management

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

Job description

Stevenage | £41,000 per annum | Monday to Friday | 40 hours per week

Fresh food. Great coffee. A small operation with plenty of personality.

Houston & Hawkes is looking for an experienced Chef Manager to lead our catering operation in Stevenage.

This is a brilliant role for someone who loves being close to the food and the people. You'll lead a small team while remaining hands-on in the kitchen, delivering freshly made sandwiches, a daily bistro dish, baking, hospitality and great barista coffee.

We're looking for someone with personality, creativity and a real sense of ownership - a Chef Manager who enjoys variety, takes pride in fresh food and presentation, and is just as comfortable leading the kitchen as they are supporting the coffee bar when needed.

THE ROLE

Take ownership of the day-to-day catering operation, leading a small and close-knit team.

Prepare and deliver fresh sandwiches, a daily bistro dish, baking and hospitality.

Bring creativity and variety to the food offer while maintaining consistently high standards.

Lead from the kitchen while remaining flexible and supporting the wider operation, including the coffee bar.

Ensure food is fresh, beautifully presented and ready for service each day.

Plan menus, production and purchasing effectively.

Manage budgets, ordering, stock, food costs and waste with good commercial awareness.

Develop and support your team, creating a positive and enjoyable working environment.

Build strong relationships with customers and deliver warm, genuine service.

Maintain excellent standards of food safety, allergen management, hygiene and compliance.

ABOUT YOU

Previous experience running or managing a kitchen, cafe or similar food-led operation.

Strong cooking skills and a genuine passion for fresh food.

Experience leading and supporting a small team.

Confident with budgets, purchasing, stock and cost control.

Flexible and happy to work across different areas of the operation when required.

Barista or coffee experience would be an advantage.

Level 3 Food Safety is preferred, although training can be provided.

Organised, reliable and comfortable taking ownership of your operation.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who genuinely enjoys food, people and being part of the day-to-day service.

WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?

Monday to Friday working pattern

Your birthday off every year

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

Free meals on duty

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

CODE Hospitality membership

Foodie Socials - bringing our teams together to share new concepts, seasonal food and drink ideas and the creativity happening across Houston & Hawkes

Ongoing learning, development and genuine opportunities for career progression

Our Summer Awards Party and Christmas Party - celebrating the brilliant people behind Houston & Hawkes

ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES

Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating vibrant, creative and exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK's most prestigious client sites.

We're a Certified B Corp and proud to create workplaces where great food, thoughtful service and brilliant people come together.

If you're a hands-on Chef Manager who loves fresh food, great coffee and leading a small team, we'd love to hear from you.

£26,463.80 to £35,000 per year, pro rata