Ipswich. Contract: Full Time, Permanent. Salary: 50000. Hours: 40 per week.
We are looking to hire an experienced Chef Manager to join the operation at one of our prestigious locations in Ipswich.
This role will work closely with the catering team and the Operations Manager to ensure day‑to‑day catering and hospitality are delivered to a high standard. You will be experienced in a similar role, carrying out all catering operations—and managing the financial budget for the location.
Job Summary
* Lead the catering team with day‑to‑day production and service of member and staff dining facilities, and liaise with the centre on internal and external hospitality events.
* Deliver the client‑agreed budget and the company annual budget.
* Develop and implement the dining and hospitality facilities across the site, ensuring the quality of food and level of customer service meet agreed standards.
* Prepare, comment on and report the monthly and annual Profit & Loss Operating Statements for Thomas Franks.
* Develop the catering offer in line with client expectations and budgetary constraints, and agreed development plans.
* Be responsible for day‑to‑day operations of all catering facilities throughout the year.
* Assist in departmental change processes by setting standards and motivating staff to deliver them.
* Liaise with members and clients via customer interaction and relevant forums to ensure their requirements are met.
* Deliver Food Services operations as directed by the Operations Manager, including member/staff dining and internal/external hospitality.
* Create and nurture a motivated, empowering, teamwork‑focused environment.
* Provide excellent food and customer service, responding quickly and proactively to customer needs.
* Develop the food offer in line with current market trends and the Thomas Franks company values.
* Ensure age‑appropriate food is available, and that all special dietary requirements are adhered to at all times.
* Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships across all departments.
* Ensure compliance with all Thomas Franks Food & Beverage policies, standards and procedures through training, supervision, follow‑up and hands‑on management.
* Maintain and develop service standards, including cleanliness and presentation of dining areas.
* Have full knowledge of Client Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Fire and Accident and reporting procedures.
* Carry out effective induction, review and development plans for staff managed, maintaining appropriate records.
* Support rehabilitation activity during open days and other centre delivery requirements.
* Undertake any reasonable duties related to the effective operation and development of commercial areas directed by the Operations Manager.
Essential
* Proven experience delivering excellent food standards.
* Hands‑on Catering Manager, leading the team in food production and service.
* Proven ability to communicate with clients and deliver agreed objectives and goals.
* Competent computer skills, knowledge of software and internet browsers.
* High level of communication, including reading, writing, oral and listening.
* Customer and personal service skills, proven track record of customer service achievements.
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Analytical/critical thinking, ability to gather and organise information using logical and systematic processes.
* Excellent interpersonal skills.
* Proven ability to manage a team and achieve high performance through motivation.
* Strong customer service ethos.
* Must have the flexibility to work to the needs of the business.
Knowledge / Competencies
* Good verbal English understanding and usage.
* Good written English and reading skills.
* Experience in a customer or food preparation environment.
* Held a recognised cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.
* Held a Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification.
Benefits
* Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms, etc.).
* Free meals on duty.
* Volunteers leave – up to one day per year.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Recommend a friend bonus.
* Unrivalled individual training and development.
* Well‑established apprenticeship programme.
* Team & company social events.
* Employee assistance programme.
* Workplace pension.
* Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer.
About Us
Thomas Franks is a founder‑led, fresh‑food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in our every approach and our clients, and our people, are paramount to our daily success.
Disclaimer
All applicants must demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role. An enhanced DBS, Identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants fairly. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a DBS discharge based on conviction or other information revealed. For any post in a school, applications are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and any criminal conviction, caution or bind‑over must be declared.
Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks
We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion. We would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under‑represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.
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