Head Chef/Catering Manager

Fantastic opportunity to join the Catering Team of a large organisation in their impressive new Staff Restaurant Facilities .

Job Title: Head Chef/Catering ManagerDepartment: Catering / Hospitality ServicesLocation: SurbitonWorking Hours: Monday - Friday - 7am to 3pm

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality, creative, and seasonal menus to provide hot and cold catering for diverse employee needs, including vegetarian, Gulen free options.
• Oversee all food preparation and presentation to ensure quality, consistency, and portion control.
• Lead by example in the kitchen, performing all aspects of preparation, cooking and serving as well as maintaining the highest culinary and hygiene standards. Including full kitchen cover when required
• Develop new catering menu concepts, variations and themed lunches to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement

Operational & Management Duties

• Oversee day-to-day catering operations, including kitchen, front-of-house cleaning, and event delivery.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to maximise efficiency and quality.
• Ensure all catering activities are delivered on time, within budget and to specification.
• Manage procurement and supplier relationships, ensuring fresh quality ingredients and cost-effective sourcing. Including secure ordering and stock storage

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and manage catering and kitchen staff, ensuring high performance and adherence to standards. Including all aspects of personal and team daily management
• Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews, and training sessions, including performance management, mentoring and coaching when needed.
• Foster a positive, productive, enjoyable and professional working environment focused on teamwork and continuous improvement.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations (including HACCP and allergen management that is clear and readily available).
• Maintain all required records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and safety checklists.
• Liaise with environmental health officers and other regulatory bodies as required.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage catering budgets, including food costs, staffing, and overheads.
• Monitor and control stock levels, ordering, and wastage.
• Analyse financial performance and report on sales, costs, and profitability.

Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships.
• Respond promptly and professionally to feedback, complaints, and special requests.
• Ensure exceptional customer service standards are consistently delivered.

If you are interested in this position and have the relevant experience, please apply asap