Chef Manager
Salary £ 33,500 - £35,000
OX1 1BP
Vacancy listed 04/02/2025
Application deadline 04/03/2025
Details
Chef Manager – Modern Art Oxford

Modern Art Oxford has recently opened its new cafe designed by British artist Emma Hart and inspired by inclusive, joyful nightclub spaces. We are looking for a passionate, creative individual to develop a menu that complements this vision while remaining accessible to visitors.

The Chef Manager plays a hands-on role, preparing food, managing staff, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere while working with the Head of Commercial to maximise profits and align with gallery objectives. The café, open Tuesday–Sunday (11am–6pm), offers paninis, soups, seasonal specials, cakes, and pastries. 

Responsibilities

Customer Service
  • Deliver excellent service to a diverse customer base, including staff and artists.
  • Train and brief café staff on customer service and the gallery’s artistic programme.
  • Address and log customer complaints professionally.

Food Preparation
  • Plan, develop, and update seasonal menus inspired by exhibitions.
  • Ensure high-quality food presentation, minimal wastage, and adherence to budgets.
  • Maintain supplier relationships, stock control, and pricing evaluations.
  • Comply with licensing regulations and food safety standards.

Health & Safety & Operations
  • Uphold hygiene standards and food safety regulations (HACCP, allergens, CoSHH, etc.).
  • Conduct risk assessments and manage maintenance of kitchen equipment.
  • Act as the main contact for food safety inspections.
  • Support sustainability initiatives in line with the gallery’s environmental goals.

Staff Management
  • Train and supervise café staff, creating rotas and covering absences.
  • Ensure staff are trained in food hygiene, barista skills, and customer service.
  • Assist with recruitment and performance management in line with gallery policies.

Commercial Activities
  • Manage café budget and report monthly to the Head of Commercial.
  • Control stock, monitor sales, and ensure accurate pricing and VAT coding.
  • Process orders, approve invoices, and resolve supplier queries.
  • Assist in planning and implementing café improvements.

Essential Skills & Experience
  • Passion for high-quality fresh food, menu development, and creative presentation.
  • Experience in café operations, including food prep, stock management, and tills.
  • Strong customer service skills and attention to detail.
  • Level 2 NVQ (or equivalent) in food preparation; Level 2 Hygiene & Allergens certificates.
  • Barista experience and knowledge of dietary requirements.
  • Ability to negotiate with suppliers and manage budgets.
  • Self-motivated, team-oriented, and experienced in staff management.

Desirable Skills & Experience
  • Rota management experience.
  • Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work.
  • Interest in contemporary art.
Benefits

Employees are entitled to a staff discount in the Modern Art Oxford Shop and Café. There is an Employee Assistance Programme through Gemelli, and a series of discounts and salary sacrifice schemes through BHN Extras.

Attached documents
Title File
Job Description.DOCX Job_Description-2.docx
Job Description.PDF Job_Description.docx-2.pdf
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