Chef Manager

Overview

In this Chef Manager role, you lead catering operations at a public-sector site, overseeing kitchen performance and a developing team. You ensure food quality, safety, and service excellence while managing budgets and regulatory compliance. You’ll build strong client relationships and drive efficient, safe, and compliant operations. This is a performance-driven, hands-on leadership position with a focus on improving standards and team capability.

Pay / Benefits

• OCS Academy for learning
• Hapi app discounts and wellbeing resources
• Wagestream wage-access (contract specific)
• digital learning resources
• flexible pay options
• employee development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the catering team with high performance and customer service standards
• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure quality, consistency, and service excellence
• Ensure compliance with client, company, and legal requirements (HSS & food hygiene)
• Manage budgets across labour, food, and materials with cost control
• Maintain cash handling and financial controls where applicable
• Conduct stock takes and manage stock levels
• Maintain statutory documentation, audits, and compliance records
• Foster a positive team culture with training, development and performance management

Key requirements

• Right to work in the UK
• enhanced DBS check
• proven catering or chef management experience
• strong budget control, cost management and P&L understanding
• good knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and compliance
• leadership experience with team motivation and development
• strong organisational and communication skills
• ability to manage a fast-paced catering operation and prioritise workload
• Driving licence required

• leadership
• communication
• team development
• budget control and P&L management
• food safety and health & safety compliance
• stock management and stock takes

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