Relief Chef Manager - South East

Thomas Franks Ltd.; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a talented Relief Chef Manager to support operations across the South East M25 region. The role involves creating innovative menus, managing food production, and ensuring high standards of service. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in fast-paced kitchens and a recognized cooking qualification.

Benefits

Discounts at major retailers

Free meals on duty

Enhanced family leave

Cycle to work scheme

Referral bonuses

Training and social events

Employee assistance

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience at Head Chef or Chef Manager level in contract catering.
• Interest in food and excellent customer service.
• Proficiency in verbal and written English.

Responsibilities

• Cover Head Chef|Chef Manager holiday and sickness.
• Create bespoke seasonal menus from fresh ingredients.
• Ensure adherence to food standards and control wastage.

Skills

Customer service skills

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Financial understanding

Innovation in food

Communication in English

Education

City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent

Job description

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Hours: 40 per week

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 & creative that support all of our locations across the Thomas Franks family. Ample parking is available when visiting.

We are looking for a talented Relief Chef Manager to join our team supporting our business across the South East M25 region and surrounding areas. Ideally, you will be located in and around Maidstone/Sevenoaks/Dartford.

You should have previous experience working within fast-paced kitchens at either Head Chef or Chef Manager level within contract catering, ideally in Independent Schools or B&I sectors.

You will be excited to work with fresh seasonal ingredients & regularly changing bespoke menus which YOU create! Creativity and showcasing your skillset daily are key.

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. Fill in for vacancies
5. Produce food for service using fresh ingredients, cooking from scratch, following company standards
6. Create bespoke seasonal menus from regional and local suppliers
7. Complete food costings as required
8. Handle company bookwork
9. Ensure adherence to food standards and control wastage
10. Follow Food Hygiene, Health & Safety policies, and allergen procedures
11. Potentially support international mobilisations and new openings

Skills required:

1. Genuine interest in food & excellent customer service skills
2. Strong client relationship skills
3. Team leadership and collaboration abilities
4. Passion for innovation and quality food
5. Organized with attention to detail
6. Financial understanding
7. Proficiency in verbal and written English
8. Relevant experience in customer service or food preparation environments
9. Recognized cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent

Benefits include discounts at major retailers, free meals on duty, volunteers leave, enhanced family leave, cycle to work scheme, referral bonuses, training, social events, employee assistance, and career progression opportunities.

About us

Thomas Franks is a founder-led, fresh food catering business focused on excellence and service delivered with passion and style. Our clients and team are central to our success.

Disclaimer

Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. An enhanced DBS, identity, and reference checks will be part of the process. We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting diversity and inclusion.