Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity to become our new Chef Manager at one of our workplace restaurants in Melbourn, SG8.


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 events.


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!


You'll be catering for around 60 clients and customers daily, offering modern, healthy and 100% homemade food using fresh produce. You'll have full autonomy over menu planning and will be encouraged to express your passion and experiment with current food trends.


We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Chef Manager to lead a small team of two, overseeing their development and leading from the front. We place a strong emphasis on client and customer interaction during service and would like to see you build strong relationships with clients and customers. You'll also manage the kitchen finances and oversee allergen compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the preparation and cooking of fresh, seasonal, and innovative dishes that reflect global influences and meet the diverse needs of all customers Create and deliver high-quality menus using fresh, seasonal ingredients, aligned with Wilson Vale brand standards Ensure all food is consistently cooked and presented to an exceptional standard, maintaining taste, quality, and portion control Be a responsible, dedicated, and hands-on leader, capable of managing and supporting a small team Provide on-the-job training and development to raise kitchen standards and ensure consistency across service Foster a positive team culture with clear communication, accountability, and continuous development Build strong, professional relationships with clients and customers through visibility, approachability, and responsiveness Cater to individual customer needs with warmth and professionalism, delivering a tailored service experience Manage food costs effectively to achieve agreed gross profit margins Oversee budgeting, ordering, stock control, and stock taking, while minimising waste and ensuring innovation and quality remain uncompromised Ensure full compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations at all times Maintain accurate and up-to-date due diligence records, including HACCP, temperature logs, and allergen signposting Champion best practices in cleanliness, hygiene, allergen management, and kitchen safety, ensuring all relevant protocols are followed and communicated clearly to customers

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Previous experience in a similar, senior or Head Chef role

LOVE

food, and love working in a team. Solid understanding of food safety and due diligence, with a minimum of Level 3 Food Hygiene certification Positive attitude, approachable, and confident engaging with customers and clients Leadership and coaching skills Be able to work in a high-pressured 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 Knowledge of seasonal menu planning and cost control 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.