Chef Manager

Houston & Hawkes | Stevenage (SG1) | £41,000 per annum | Monday to Friday

A fantastic opportunity for a hands-on Chef Manager to lead a small, high-quality café operation in Stevenage.

Based within a professional client environment, this is a beautifully run site offering freshly made sandwiches, daily bistro-style dishes, hospitality catering, baking and barista coffee. It’s a role where quality, consistency and a personal touch make all the difference.

Houston & Hawkes are looking for someone who enjoys being fully involved - from preparing food and supporting service to leading a small team and ensuring the site runs smoothly day to day.

This is an ideal opportunity for a chef who values autonomy, creativity and a strong work-life balance within a Monday to Friday structure.

THE ROLE

– Leading a small café and hospitality operation with full ownership of standards

– Preparing fresh, high-quality food including sandwiches, daily bistro dishes and baking

– Supporting hospitality requests and client catering needs

– Overseeing barista service and supporting the coffee bar when required

– Managing stock, ordering and day-to-day kitchen operations

– Monitoring food quality, consistency and presentation

– Maintaining excellent hygiene, food safety and compliance standards

– Supporting and developing a small, close-knit team

ABOUT YOU

– Experience managing a café, kitchen or small food operation

– Confident leading a small team in a hands-on environment

– Passion for fresh food, coffee and customer experience

– Flexible and willing to support all areas of the operation, including barista service

– Organised, reliable and proactive in approach

– Experience with stock control, purchasing and budgeting preferred

– Level 3 Food Safety desirable (training can be provided)

WHAT WE OFFER

– £41,000 per annum

– Monday to Friday — excellent work-life balance

– 40 hours per week

– Free meals at work

– Contributory pension and life assurance (2× salary)

– Employee Assistance Programme

– Day off on your birthday

– Recognition schemes and people awards

– Training, development and progression opportunities

– Membership of CODE Hospitality

ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES

Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer, ranked among the Top 30 Best Companies to Work for in Hospitality and a certified B Corp. We are passionate about delivering vibrant, creative and sustainable food — and we invest in the talented people who make it happen.

A perfect role for a Chef Manager who enjoys quality food, a close-knit team and a well-balanced working week.