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.