Relief Chef Manager - North Region

Thomas Franks Ltd.; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in fresh food catering seeks a talented Relief Chef Manager to support operations across the South M25 region. This role offers the opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity by developing bespoke menus using fresh seasonal ingredients. You will cover for Head Chefs and assist in mobilisations, ensuring high food standards and customer satisfaction. Join a company committed to excellence and individuality, where your contributions will help shape the dining experience for clients in independent schools and the B&I sectors.

Benefits

Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers)

Free meals on duty

Volunteers leave - up to one day per year

Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave

Travel expenses

Recommend a friend bonus

Training and development opportunities

Apprenticeship programmes

Team and social events

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Chef Manager in contract catering.
• Excitement for working with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Cover Head Chef|Chef Manager holiday and sickness.
• Create seasonal menus from regional suppliers.
• Ensure food standards and hygiene policies are met.

Skills

Customer service skills

Team leadership

Food preparation

Attention to detail

Financial understanding

Verbal and written English proficiency

Education

Recognised cooking qualification (City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent)

Job description

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: £36,000 per annum

Hours: 40 per week

Location

Our head offices are based in the beautiful village of Hook Norton near Banbury. Here, you will find our teams of finance, HR, purchasing, marketing, and creative support all our locations across the Thomas Franks family. Ample parking is available when visiting.

Position Overview

We are seeking a talented Relief Chef Manager to support our business across the South M25 region and surrounding areas.

Candidate Profile

You will have experience working in fast-paced kitchens at Head Chef or Chef Manager level within contract catering, ideally in Independent Schools or B&I sectors. You should be excited to work with fresh seasonal ingredients, creating bespoke menus that you develop, showcasing your creativity and skills daily.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cover Head Chef|Chef Manager holiday and sickness
2. Support with mobilisations
3. Assist with troubleshooting at locations requiring additional support
4. Cover vacancies as needed
5. Produce food for service using fresh ingredients, cooking from scratch following company standards
6. Create seasonal menus from regional and local suppliers
7. Complete food costings as required
8. Handle company bookwork
9. Ensure food standards are met and wastage is controlled
10. Follow Food Hygiene, Health & Safety policies, and allergen control procedures

Skills and Qualifications

• Genuine interest in food and excellent customer service skills
• Strong client relationship skills
• Team player and leader
• Passion and innovation in food preparation
• Organised with attention to detail
• Financial understanding
• Proficiency in verbal and written English
• Experience in customer service or food preparation environments
• Recognised cooking qualification such as City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent

Benefits

• Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms, etc.)
• Free meals on duty
• Volunteers leave - up to one day per year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave
• Travel expenses
• Recommend a friend bonus
• Training and development opportunities
• Apprenticeship programmes
• Team and social events
• Employee assistance programme
• Career progression within a leading independent caterer

About Us

Thomas Franks is a founder-led, fresh food catering business committed to excellence, service, and individuality. Our clients and staff are central to our success.

Legal and Diversity Information

Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. An enhanced DBS, identity, and reference checks will be conducted. We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from under-represented groups.