Chef Manager

Description

As Chef Manager for The Residency, you'll be responsible for leading the culinary operation, ensuring Michelin-level standards are delivered consistently while working closely with Adam Reid. You'll inspire a small brigade, oversee all kitchen operations and help shape one of the most exciting dining concepts within the Etihad Campus.

Unlike a traditional kitchen management role, you'll also be visible during service, engaging with guests and helping create the theatre behind The Residency experience.

Day to Day Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead and inspire the kitchen brigade.
• Build a positive, high-performance culture.
• Coach and develop chefs.
• Work alongside Adam Reid on menu development.

Culinary Excellence

• Deliver exceptional food to Michelin-level standards.
• Drive consistency across every service.
• Maintain food quality, presentation and portion control.
• Oversee food safety and HACCP compliance.

Operations

• Manage ordering, stock control and GP.
• Produce rotas and labour plans.
• Manage supplier relationships.
• Ensure equipment and kitchen standards are maintained.

Guest Experience

• Present dishes to guests.
• Explain menu concepts.
• Deliver an immersive dining experience.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential

• Previous experience in a leadership role within a quality-driven restaurant or premium dining environment.
• Strong culinary skills with exceptional attention to detail, consistency and presentation.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a high-performing kitchen team.
• Experience managing kitchen operations, including stock control, food costs and labour.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen legislation.
• Passion for delivering outstanding food and memorable guest experiences.
• Confident communicating with guests in a warm, engaging and professional manner.
• Ability to remain calm and make decisions in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event days.

Desirable

• Experience within a Michelin-starred, Rosette or luxury dining environment.
• Experience working alongside a Chef Patron or Executive Chef.
• Experience within an open kitchen, chef's table or chef-led dining concept.
• Passion for mentoring and developing aspiring chefs.
• Experience contributing to menu development and seasonal menu changes.
• Formal culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
• Knowledge of budgeting, GP management and supplier relationships.

Why Join Us?

• Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) – including Virtual GP access and rewards
• Group Life Assurance – 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
• Birthday Day Off – an extra day to celebrate
• Complimentary Meals on Shift – breakfast, lunch, fruit and hot drinks
• Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform – including counselling support
• Company Pension Scheme
• Generous Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays
• Career Development Opportunities – with progression across the campus

Eastlands Venue Services Ltd is committed to protecting your personal data. Information provided will be used for recruitment purposes only and handled in accordance with the UK GDPR and our Candidate Privacy Notice. Candidate data is retained for 18 months unless you request removal sooner. For details, contact talent@eastlandsvsl.com.

Eastlands Venue Services Limited (EVSL), a joint venture between City Football Group (CFG) and Oak View Group (OVG), delivers exceptional food, beverage and hospitality experiences across Manchester's Etihad Campus.

You'll find our teams across Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live, Joie Stadium and the new Medlocke Square, catering for some of the biggest names in sport, music and entertainment, alongside a vibrant collection of restaurants, bars and dining destinations. From Premier League matchdays and international sporting fixtures to world-class concerts and year-round dining, we support over 180 event days annually, welcoming millions of guests.

With 200 permanent team members and a casual workforce of over 2,000, we're brought together by a passion for great service, high standards and a shared ambition to create memorable experiences. As the Etihad Campus continues to grow into one of the UK's most exciting year-round destinations, so do the opportunities to make an impact.

Come be part of EVSL's next chapter.