Summary
* Senior Chef
* Based at Manchester Airport
* Permanent, Full-time (40 hours per week)
* Salary: £32,900 per annum
Why CAVU?
For airports, for partners, for people. We are CAVU.
Formed from the union of MAGO, MAG USA and our network of direct-to-consumer brands - who together drive market leading passenger spend for airports across the world - we have combined our resources to address evolving passenger needs today and exceed them as we move forward into tomorrow.
From our revenue accelerating single platform technology, Propel, through to our world class hospitality venues including Hangar, 1903, Proof65 and Escape Lounges - our solutions make travel more seamless and enjoyable for passengers and more profitable for our clients and partners.
Our name is taken from the aviation, meteorology term, 'Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited', which designates the perfect flying condition.
More than just a name, CAVU is our mindset. It represents all that we stand for. Our proud aviation heritage, our drive to push boundaries, and the very essence of what we do: creating seamless, enjoyable travel experiences for airport passengers.
Together, we can reach new heights. Together, we are CAVU.
The role
The Senior Chef leads all culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and service. This hands on role provides strong kitchen leadership while delivering an outstanding dining experience. As a key ambassador for CAVU Experiences and the Escape brand, the Senior Chef upholds its values and inspires both guests and the wider team.
The Senior Chef will lead in Manchester's Executive Airport Lounge. This is a premium, high end space for discerning travellers, offering a refined atmosphere with self service buffets, high quality food and drink options, and the choice of seated dining. Open daily, it reflects the luxury and exclusivity of the Escape brand.
Principle Accountabilities:
* Menu & Food Standards: Deliver all dishes to required specifications, ensuring exceptional flavour, consistency, and presentation.
* Brand Representation: Act as a positive ambassador for CAVU Experiences, promoting its values and contributing to a professional, creative, and guest focused culture.
* Guest Interaction: Engage with guests to gather feedback, accommodate requests, and personalise their dining experience. Regularly review feedback data to identify trends and improvements.
* Commercial Responsibilities: Manage ordering, receipt, and supplier relationships to maintain stock levels and resolve delivery issues. Monitor and record food waste, analyse data, and support sustainable kitchen practices. Assist with accurate monthly and ad hoc stocktakes.
* People Leadership: Support in leading, developing, and motivating the kitchen team, contributing to reviews, recognition, training compliance, and rota planning. Maintain strong communication and organisational standards, with flexibility around working hours.
* Compliance & Safety: Uphold strict food safety and quality controls, complete regular checks and audits, ensure correct protective clothing is used, and maintain accurate compliance records through CAVU systems.
What will make you successful in the role?
You'll thrive in this role if you bring strong culinary expertise, a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, and the ability to lead confidently in a fast paced environment. You'll be someone who inspires others, upholds high standards, and contributes positively to the culture of the Executive Lounge.
* Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, and allergen controls
* Proven experience in a senior culinary role within a high volume, fast paced environment
* Confident working in a call order / à la carte kitchen
* Supportive leader who can coach, motivate, and inspire a diverse team
* Ability to prioritise, delegate, and stay composed under pressure
* Commitment to maintaining high safety and hygiene standards
* Comfortable with the physical demands of a role spent largely on your feet
* Proficient with computers, especially Microsoft Office
* Professional, guest focused role model for the Escape brand
* Adaptable, resilient, and proactive in a changing environment
* Professional appearance and demeanour suited to a premium setting
As a CAVU employee you will have access to some great benefits including:
* Access to our employee rewards portal with discounts and savings
* 24hour Employee Assistance Programme
* Pension scheme which doubles your contribution
* Fantastic career development opportunities – We are the UK's largest Airport Operator
* Tax free Airside shopping in our departure lounge
* Meals on duty
Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments
We're building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We're on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there's space for your unique strengths to shine.
Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you – even if you don't think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring.
We're proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We're committed to helping you perform at your best.
At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women's Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.