Kitchen Manager/Chef

Looking to take the lead in the kitchen while staying hands-on with your craft? We're on the hunt for a passionate and experienced Kitchen Manager/Chef to head up our daytime kitchen and pot-wash team — someone who's just as confident in cooking as they are managing a team and hygiene standards.

If you have solid chef / management and are ready to make a change in your career that still keeps you cooking, we want to hear from you!

Sunday to Thursday - 7.00 am to 3.30 pm

Your Role:

As Kitchen Manager/Chef, you'll play a dual role: leading the team and setting the standard with your own cooking.

You'll assist in overseeing daily operations while preparing high-quality dishes, helping to drive the creativity and consistency that our reputation is built on.

Key Responsibilities:

Hands-on food preparation: Cook and prepare a range of high-quality dishes, ensuring consistency and great presentation at all times.

Lead the kitchen team: Supervise and support chefs, kitchen assistants and the pot-wash team, fostering a positive, efficient, and high-performing work environment.

Stock control /wastage: Manage stock control, monitor usage, and minimise waste while keeping food costs under control.

Menu contribution: Bring ideas to the table and support the development of new seasonal or bespoke menu items.

Food safety & hygiene: Ensure all food safety, cleanliness, and hygiene standards are followed rigorously and consistently.

Scheduling and staffing: Assist in creating rotas, manage cover, and support team training and development.

Maintain kitchen operations: Oversee equipment maintenance, storage organisation, and kitchen readiness for service and events.

Service coordination: Work closely with the wider team to ensure smooth service and a seamless guest experience.

What's in it for You?

We believe great kitchens are led by people who care about food and their team.

Here's what we offer in return:

• A competitive salary of £27,000
• A chance to lead and cook in a dynamic catering environment
• Creative input into menu development
• Real career progression and development opportunities
• A supportive and collaborative working culture
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance
• Staff discounts on food and drink

To Succeed in This Role, You'll Need:

• Proven experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a professional kitchen
• a passion for cooking and creating quality, flavourful dishes from fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Experience managing food prep, stock control, and compliance
• High standards of cleanliness and knowledge of food safety regulations (Food Hygiene Certificate required, Level 3 preferred)
• Ability to perform under pressure and keep the kitchen running smoothly during busy periods
• A team-player mentality and hands-on approach to every shift

About Us

Saffron Catering is known for its friendly, creative, and personalised catering service across the Midlands.

We're proud to use local, seasonal produce to craft menus that bring our clients' ideas to life — and we couldn't do it without our talented kitchen team.

Ready to make your mark? Send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your chef experience and why you'd be a great fit to [email protected]