Chef Manager

Are you an experienced Chef Manager looking for your next challenge within a high-volume contract catering environment? 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.