Kitchen Manager | SEC

We're looking for... The overall role purpose of the Kitchen Manager is to oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and efficiency in our large venue. To effectively support the unit's operation through a managed Food Cost of Sales, Sundries and controllables service development.

• Collaborate with the Executive chef or culinary team to create and update menus that appeal to customers and align with venue's theme and guest expectations.
• Develop new dishes and recipes while considering factors such as seasonality, cost, and customer preferences.
• Ensure that menu items meet quality and presentation standards set by the establishment.
• Supervise and participate in food preparation activities, including cooking, baking, and assembly of dishes.
• Monitor portion sizes and food presentation to maintain consistency and quality.
• Ensure that all food items are prepared and served according to established recipes and standards.
• Oversee inventory levels of food, ingredients, and kitchen supplies.
• Place orders for ingredients and supplies based on inventory levels and anticipated demand.
• Monitor food costs and wastage to minimise expenses and maximise profitability.
• Minimise waste through effective inventory management and portion control.
• Manage relationships with food suppliers and vendors. Negotiate terms, monitor quality, and explore cost-effective sourcing options.
• Support the Executive Chef to recruit, onboard, train, and supervise kitchen staff, including chefs, KPs, and kitchen assistants.
• Schedule and assign tasks to kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of tasks.
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and performance of kitchen staff.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and standards, including food safety, sanitation, and hygiene.
• Implement and enforce proper kitchen hygiene practices, including cleaning schedules and procedures.
• Conduct regular inspections of the kitchen to identify and address any potential hazards or violations.
• Monitor and control food costs, labour costs, and other expenses to meet budgetary targets.
• Analyse financial reports and performance metrics to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and management to develop and manage kitchen budgets.
• Control costs while maintaining high-quality food offerings. Implement strategies to minimize waste and optimise resource utilisation in the kitchen.
• Communicate effectively with front-of-house staff, management, and vendors to coordinate food service activities and resolve issues.
• Foster a collaborative and positive working environment within the kitchen team.
• Act as a liaison between the kitchen and other departments to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure completion of company due diligence and legal requirements in relation to meeting standards on food safety, cleanliness, and allergen management
• Support the Facilities and Maintenance Manager in ensuring all equipment and structure is maintained in line with legal and company requirements to ensure a safe working environment.
• Complete and support management with mandatory compliance requirements in line with legal and company polices/procedures.
• Complete and support management with the training and development of the culinary team and those within your department

• Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent certification in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, or a related field preferred. Food Safety Certification required. Proven knowledge of health and safety regulations and standards.

• Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits

• 20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• 2 days' additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave
• Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
• Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
• Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.