Relief Chef Manager - South of England

Dine Contract Catering; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Leicester seeks a Relief Chef Manager. The ideal candidate will excel in both kitchen operations and team leadership, ensuring quality service and compliance with food safety standards. Responsibilities include managing costs, building client relationships, and motivating staff. The company offers opportunities for culinary development, mentoring, and career advancement in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Culinary pathways for team members

Real-time mentoring

Chance to earn recognized qualifications

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager with strong operational experience.
• A passion for fresh food, seasonal ingredients, and high-quality service delivery.
• Excellent communication and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget Management

Food Safety Compliance

Team Motivation

Job description

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.
• 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.