Chef Manager

Aramark Ireland; Leinster; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership role

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Aramark Ireland is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead the day-to-day kitchen operation, combining culinary excellence with strong operational and people leadership. You will own the kitchen, plan menus, control costs and drive service standards while developing a high-performing team and delivering outstanding food and customer experience.

This hands-on leadership role offers autonomy, progression opportunities and a supportive management team in a fast-paced catering environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or similar senior culinary leader.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing costs, GP, labour and wastage.
• Excellent people management and coaching skills.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, allergen management and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the culinary team to a high-performing culture.
• Own day-to-day kitchen operation, ensuring smooth, efficient service.
• Plan and deliver menus that are creative, commercially viable and aligned with client expectations.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, presentation and service.
• Manage food costs, GP, labour and wastage with strong financial control.
• Monitor stock levels, ordering and purchasing to maximise value.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure quality and competitive pricing.
• Coach and develop team members and support their progression.
• Ensure all food safety, hygiene and allergen standards are met and exceeded.
• Build relationships with clients and stakeholders, acting on feedback.
• Introduce new ideas and initiatives to enhance customer experience and performance.
• Use data and feedback to drive continuous operational improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Cost control

Menu planning

People management

Operational excellence

Tools

Payroll systems

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced, commercially aware Chef Manager to lead the day-to-day food operation, combining culinary excellence with strong operational and people leadership. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional food and service, developing a high-performing team and driving consistently strong standards.

Working closely with the wider management team, you will take ownership of the kitchen operation, ensuring outstanding food quality, presentation, service and compliance while managing costs, supporting commercial performance and identifying opportunities to enhance the customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the culinary team, fostering a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Take ownership of the day-to-day kitchen operation, ensuring smooth, efficient and consistent service.
• Plan and deliver menus that are creative, appealing, commercially viable and aligned with client and customer expectations.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, taste, presentation and service.
• Manage food costs, GP, labour and wastage effectively, ensuring strong financial and operational control.
• Monitor stock levels, ordering and purchasing to maximise value and minimise waste.
• Work closely with suppliers to maintain quality, consistency and competitive pricing.
• Coach, mentor and develop team members, supporting their skills, confidence and career progression.
• Ensure all food safety, hygiene, allergen and health & safety standards are maintained and exceeded.
• Build strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders, responding proactively to feedback and opportunities.
• Introduce new ideas, dishes and initiatives that enhance the customer experience and support commercial performance.
• Monitor operational performance and use data, feedback and insight to drive continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with the wider management team to ensure seamless service and a consistent customer experience.
• Lead by example, creating an engaged team environment where high standards and accountability are embedded.

About You

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef, Sous Chef or in a similar senior culinary leadership role within catering, hospitality, food service or a comparable environment.
• Strong culinary skills and a genuine passion for producing high-quality food.
• Commercial awareness, with experience managing food costs, GP, labour, stock and wastage.
• Excellent people management and coaching skills, with a genuine commitment to developing others.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, allergen management and relevant compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work with clients, colleagues and suppliers.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the confidence to introduce new ideas and challenge existing ways of working.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards while creating a positive and supportive working environment.
• The ability to lead by example, motivate others and bring a team together around shared goals.
• "Good computer skills, with the ability to confidently use payroll and financial systems and complete end-of-week cash and till procedures."

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead and shape a successful food operation.
• Autonomy to make an impact and introduce new ideas.
• A supportive leadership team and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

If you are a passionate and commercially minded Chef Manager who takes pride in developing people, delivering exceptional food and driving high standards, we would love to hear from you.