Chef Manager Defence Posted Barnoldswick Operations

Chef Manager - Rolls Royce Barnoldswick

Salary: £32,400 per annum
Full‑time | Monday to Friday | 7:00am – 3:00pm

We’re recruiting a Chef Manager for an exciting opportunity at Rolls‑Royce Barnoldswick
, leading the mobilisation of a new catering offer launching in November. This is a fantastic role for an experienced chef with strong leadership and organisational skills who enjoys being hands‑on while managing a small, high‑performing team.

You’ll be responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of a busy lunch‑focused catering unit serving approximately 300-400 colleagues on site
, delivering fresh sandwiches, salads, grab‑and‑go options, and an excellent customer experience. The operation will also include 24/7 smart vending facilities
, with breakfast service currently under review.

Leading a team of three, you'll take ownership of food quality, compliance, stock management, financial controls, and all associated administration to ensure a successful and smooth operation from day one.

• Leading the successful mobilisation and ongoing management of the catering operation
• Preparing and delivering a fresh food offer, including sandwiches, salads, and lunch menu items
• Managing the daily operation and service delivery to meet client expectations
• Leading, motivating, and developing a team of three colleagues
• Managing food ordering, stock control, inventory, and supplier relationships
• Monitoring food costs and managing budgets in line with financial targets
• Overseeing the operation of smart vending solutions and ensuring product availability
• Maintaining excellent standards of food presentation, quality, and customer service
• Completing all required bookwork, reporting, audits, and compliance documentation
• Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and company procedures
• Building strong relationships with the client and acting as the key on‑site catering contact

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef, or Senior Chef within contract catering, workplace catering, or a similar environment
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams
• Experience managing food costs, budgets, stock control, and wastage
• Confident completing administration, reporting, audits, and compliance paperwork
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills
• A hands‑on management style with a passion for delivering great food and service
• Experience mobilising new contracts or implementing new catering offers would be advantageous
• Knowledge of food safety legislation and catering compliance requirements
• Reliable and able to travel to site consistently

• Monday to Friday working pattern with no evening service
• Opportunity to lead an exciting new catering mobilisation
• Manage a small, close‑knitted team in a modern workplace environment
• Autonomy to shape and develop a fresh food offer
• Competitive salary and development opportunities within a growing business

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia,  and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence,…