Chef Manager 

Up to £38,000 per annum | Monday to Friday | 7:30am – 3:30pm

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to join our team in Mildenhall, Suffolk.

This is a fantastic Monday to Friday opportunity for a chef who enjoys being hands-on in the kitchen while also taking responsibility for the wider catering operation. You’ll play a key role in delivering fresh, high-quality food, leading your team and building a strong, trusted relationship with our client.

As Chef Manager, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen and catering service, ensuring high standards across food, service, people and compliance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring a smooth and efficient service.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality food for customers.
• Lead, motivate and develop your team, creating a positive working environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the client and key stakeholders.
• Work closely with the client to understand their needs and deliver an excellent customer experience.
• Manage ordering, stock, food costs and waste effectively.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards.
• Support menu planning and development, keeping the food offer fresh and engaging.
• Ensure the kitchen and wider operation consistently meet Compass Group standards.
• Take a hands-on approach while confidently managing the operational and people responsibilities of the role.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a confident Chef Manager with previous contract catering experience who understands what it takes to run a successful catering operation.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience working as a Chef Manager, Head Chef or similar.
• Contract catering experience is essential.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Good commercial awareness, including food cost and stock management.
• A passion for fresh, quality food and excellent customer service.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• A hands-on, flexible approach and the ability to lead from the front.

Why Join Compass Group UK?

This is a great opportunity to join a leading foodservice organisation in a role offering Monday to Friday working and daytime hours, giving you a fantastic work-life balance.

If you’re an experienced Chef Manager who enjoys leading people, creating great food and building strong client partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.