Chef Manager – Lead Kitchen & Front‑of‑House

About the role

Houston & Hawkes are looking for an experienced Chef Manager to oversee both kitchen and front‑of‑house operations at our Newbury site. This senior‑level position combines culinary leadership with customer‑facing service excellence, ensuring a consistently high‑quality experience for clients and guests.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily kitchen and front‑of‑house activities.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, seasonal dishes to high standards.
• Control stock, ordering, and food cost while maintaining profitability.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health‑and‑safety regulations.
• Develop, motivate and train a multidisciplinary team.
• Build strong relationships with clients and drive site performance.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or in a comparable leadership role.
• Strong culinary background with a passion for high‑quality, seasonal food.
• Demonstrated ability to manage both front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house operations.
• Excellent communication, organisational and commercial awareness.
• Hands‑on, proactive and professional attitude.

Required skills

• Food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Stock and inventory management.
• Cost control and budgeting.

What we offer

• Free meals at work.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance at twice the salary.
• Annual Christmas and summer parties.
• Uniform provided.
• 23 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays.
• Family‑friendly benefits including enhanced parental leave.
• Day off on your birthday and referral bonuses.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.