Chef Manager

OCS Group; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company in the UK seeks an experienced Catering Manager to oversee catering operations. The role requires extensive experience in contract catering management, strong leadership skills, and excellent customer service. The Catering Manager will be responsible for creating food menus, training staff, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. The ideal candidate should hold a Level 3 qualification in Catering and Hospitality and possess strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing catering operations.
• Ability to mentor and motivate a team.
• Experience in financial management and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Create seasonal food and drink menus for events.
• Oversee all staff to meet client needs.
• Train team members on procedures and safety standards.
• Recruit new staff based on workload demands.
• Manage budgets for food and equipment.
• Establish vendor relationships for supplies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Customer service skills

Adaptability in fast-paced environments

Verbal and written communication

Time management and organizational abilities

Education

Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent

Food hygiene certificate (Level 3)

Tools

Microsoft Office tools (especially Excel)

Job description

About The Company:

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award‑winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

About The Role:

Days of Working: Monday to Friday

We are looking for an experienced Catering manager, established team, good budget knowledge. Can do attitude, food lead great customer service.

As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Work with the team to create seasonal food and drink menus for the site and any events for the client and its visitors
• Oversee all staff, ensuring that the team’s creations meet the client’s needs. They must also ensure that all legal and company requirements are meet daily
• You will be responsible for training your team members on menus, serving procedures, company etiquette, safety standards, and regulations
• Recruit new staff to meet workload demands
• Work within budgets set by their line manager when planning catering operations, allocating the budget for food, cooking equipment, staffing, and equipment
• Establish relationships with vendors and ensure that food and other supplies are bought from the correct vendor, ensuring the best prices are obtained

What are we looking for?

• Have proven and extensive experience in the management of contract catering operations and teams
• You need to possess a Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent
• You should have proven leadership skills, with the ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team
• Experienced in building relationships with clients and staff, ensuring that the client’s expectations are met every day
• Can work in a fast‑paced environment and adapt to changing demands is crucial

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK
• Understand financial management, budgeting, and cost control
• Excellent customer service skills are essential
• Can handle complex situations and find practical solutions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Good time‑management and organisational abilities
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel
• While not always mandatory, having a food hygiene certificate (Level 3) is advantageous

How to Apply:

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.

Equality and diversity

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.