Relief Chef Manager - Newcastle

Compass Group; North East; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking an experienced Relief Chef Manager to join its Culinary Support Team within a 50-mile radius of Newcastle. This hands-on leadership role involves overseeing the entire catering operation, managing a team, and ensuring service excellence. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in kitchen operations and client relationship management. Exciting culinary pathways and mentoring opportunities are also offered to team members.

Benefits

Culinary pathways for career growth

Real-time mentoring

Recognized qualifications opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager.
• Passion for fresh food and high-quality service.
• Strong sense of ownership in client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation.
• Lead and motivate your team for excellent service.
• Manage food costs, margins, and compliance standards.

Skills

Operational experience

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Financial acumen

Job description

Relief Chef Manager

Location: 50 mile radius of Newcastle

Salary: Up to £33,418 per annum plus Company Car

Working Pattern: 5 over 7, including weekends.

We have an exciting new opportunity for an experienced Relief Chef Manager to join our Culinary Support Team working within a 50 mile radius of the Newcastle region, however National travel will be required in line with business needs.

We're looking for a Relief Chef Manager who can do more than cook. This is a role for a hands‑on leader who's as confident at the stove as they are in a client meeting, someone who understands how to run a business, manage a team, and deliver food that delights.

Whilst covering the site, you'll oversee every aspect of the catering operation, from menu planning and team leadership to client relationships, budgets, compliance, and service delivery. You'll cook with passion, lead with purpose, and run the outlet like it's your own.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Oversee the full catering operation from food to finance to front of house.
• Lead, develop and motivate your team to deliver excellent service every day.
• Managing food costs, margins, waste and labour with commercial precision.
• Build strong relationships with our clients and guests. Understanding their needs, exceeding expectations and delivering service with an impact.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company standards at all times.
• Drive consistency and quality across the kitchen and wider catering operation.

What you'll bring to the table:

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager with strong operational experience.
• A passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high-quality service delivery.
• Great communication and leadership skills, you inspire others with your energy.
• A strong sense of ownership and ability to manage client relationships.
• Strong financial acumen. You understand P&L, cost control, and business KPIs.
• Excellent communication and people management skills. You build trust, lead by example, and bring out the best in your team.

Hungry for more?

We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real-time mentoring, hands‑on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it's a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.

Job Reference: com/1811/110800/52776293/SU

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!