We're looking for a passionate and commercially minded Chef Manager to lead a successful catering operation in Gravesend. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious catering professional who combines strong culinary skills with proven leadership experience and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional food and service.
Working within a prestigious contract catering environment, you'll have full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the kitchen, team development, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and operational excellence.
The Role
As Chef Manager, you'll be responsible for:
Leading and developing a team of chefs, cooks, and front of house colleagues
Planning and delivering innovative, fresh, and engaging menus
Managing food preparation and presentation to the highest standards
Controlling food costs, stock levels, ordering, and kitchen budgets
Monitoring wastage and implementing cost-saving initiatives
Building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders
Ensuring full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
Driving customer satisfaction through excellent food and service delivery
Maintaining accurate operational and compliance records
Supporting continuous improvement and menu development initiatives
About You
To be successful in this role, you'll ideally have:
Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Catering Manager, or Head Chef within contract catering
Strong people management and leadership skills
Demonstrable experience managing kitchen budgets, stock, and food costs
Excellent culinary and menu development abilities
A sound understanding of food safety and health & safety regulations
Experience managing teams in a fast-paced catering environment
Excellent communication and customer service skills
A proactive and commercially focused approach
What's in It for You?
Salary of £40,000 per annum
28 days holiday including bank holidays
Your birthday off every year
Free meals whilst on shift
Enhanced maternity and family leave benefits
3 paid volunteering days
Apprenticeship and development opportunities
Pension and life assurance
Employee Assistance Programme
Wellbeing support hub
Cycle to Work Scheme
High street, travel and cinema discounts via Perkbox
Working Pattern
40 hours per week
Operational site runs 7 days per week
Flexibility to support both day and night shift operations as required
Apply Now
If you're an experienced Chef Manager with a background in contract catering and are ready to take ownership of a thriving operation, we'd love to hear from you.
Please note: Applicants must have previous management experience within a catering environment and be able to commute to Gravesend (DA11) on a daily basis.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people
Salary description
£40000.00 - £40000.00 per year