Chef Manager

Wilson Vale; Elmbridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A quality-led catering company is seeking a Chef Manager for their workplace restaurant in Thames Ditton, UK. The role involves overseeing kitchen operations, menu creation using seasonal ingredients, and catering for around 100 staff daily. Candidates should have strong hospitality experience, excellent communication skills, and a passion for food and exceptional service. This is a permanent position with a commitment to work-life balance and innovative food offerings.

Benefits

Work-life balance hours

Craft-focused career development training

Paid training

Employee Assistance Programme

Online employee benefits scheme

Birthday off after 1 year

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Qualifications

• Experience in premium hospitality settings.
• Ability to manage culinary operations effectively.
• Passion for food and exceptional service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and food preparation.
• Manage and mentor kitchen staff.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene compliance.

Skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Communication

High-pressure environment

Food trends understanding

Innovation

Presentation skills

Proactivity

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to become our new Chef Manager at one of our workplace restaurants in Thames Ditton, KT7.

Do you love creating stunning restaurant food and are looking for work hours that give you a work‑life balance like no other sector in the hospitality industry?

Wilson Vale is an established, quality‑led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high‑end ethos throughout.

Our culture unites us. We stand for craft, quality, creative freedom, forward thinking and integrity. We never compromise on our commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and the fantastic people that make it all happen!

This is a permanent position working 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 7am to 3:30pm. Some flexibility may be required to cater for occasional events.

We are a fresh food led operation and you'll have full autonomy over menu creation to deliver breakfast and lunch service using local, seasonal ingredients. Catering for around 100 staff daily, the offering will include a daily salad bar, baked desserts and hospitality.

Proposed start date: January 11th 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen and the preparation and cooking of all food production
• Cater to the needs of all customers
• Be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to assist and manage a team
• Deliver consistent food standards following the Wilson Vale brand standards.
• Deliver fresh, seasonal and innovative food from around the world to all customers
• Responsible for food safety, hygiene and Health and Safety both in practice and keeping relevant records
• Allergy reporting and responsibility for sign‑posting to customers
• Budgeting, ordering, stock taking
• Training

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• LOVE food, and love working in a team.
• Positive attitude
• Have good customer service skills and strong communication skills.
• Be able to work in a high‑pressure environment.
• Strong premium hospitality experience in another venue
• Local knowledge and experience working in the area
• A passion for exceptional service is essential
• Strong understanding of service styles, food trends
• Innovation and creativity
• A passion for training and development
• Exceptional presentation skills
• Articulate and very well organised
• Proactive and reliable

OUR CULTURE:

• Craft at our core – we pride ourselves on our craft‑skilled chefs who create wonderful fresh food from scratch.
• It’s all about the food – the menu is the most important document our chefs write every week.
• Quality, seasonal ingredients – 300+ British suppliers and our chefs can source locally.
• Freedom to create – our teams love to cook up exciting food themes and pop‑ups to keep the food fun.
• Support like no other – our business was founded by family and we have stayed true to those same family values of nurturing development, protecting our values and building trust and loyalty.
• Making food that not only tastes great but is good for the planet. We have always had a strong environmental ethos and are dedicated to our social and environmental commitments.
• We believe in tailored training and opportunities to build your career with us.

WILSON VALE PERKS:

• Our working hours are some of the best you'll find in catering - we are strong believers in work‑life balance
• Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities
• Craft Works – Free craft‑focused career development training programme
• Paid training bespoke to you
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – your wellbeing is very important to us
• Online employee benefits scheme - monetary savings on everyday items!
• Your Birthday off every year after 1 years’ service.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay

Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams – everyone at has a voice.