Assistant Kitchen Manager

SeeMeHired.com; Cheddar; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted holidays

Dining and spa discounts

Free use of resort facilities

MediCash Health Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Employee benefits and discounts

Discounted gym memberships

Extended holiday and sick pay

Cycle to Work scheme

Sell annual leave

Job summary

Cheddar Woods Resort, part of Darwin Escapes, is seeking an Assistant Kitchen Manager to join the team and help oversee daily kitchen operations. You will support the Head Chef, lead shifts, and develop the kitchen team while maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.

This full-time role offers 40 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays, with on-site accommodation possible. You will assist with stock control, ordering, and cost management while delivering excellent guest

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or a similar leadership role.
• Strong cooking skills in a busy kitchen.
• Experience leading shifts and supervising kitchen teams.
• Stock management, ordering and cost control.
• Knowledge of food safety and health & safety standards.
• Ability to coach and develop team members.
• Excellent organization, communication and leadership.
• Ability to perform well under pressure.
• Positive attitude and passion for great food and guest service.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Act as deputy lead and oversee operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Lead kitchen shifts and ensure efficient service.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality dishes to company standards.
• Maintain food hygiene, health & safety, and compliance standards.
• Manage stock control, ordering, deliveries, and wastage.
• Support menu delivery, presentation, and food quality consistency.
• Train, coach, and develop kitchen team members.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment.
• Assist with labour control, kitchen performance, and cost management.
• Work closely with management and resort teams to support excellent guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking skills

Shift leadership

Stock management

Cost control

Food safety

Team development

Organization

Communication

Under pressure

Guest service

Job description

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Assistant Kitchen Manager

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Assistant Kitchen Manager to join the team at Cheddar Woods Resort, one of Darwin Escapes' premier holiday destinations.

Supporting the Head Chef, you will act as deputy lead within the kitchen, helping oversee daily operations, lead shifts, manage stock and ordering, and maintain high food quality and service standards. This hands‑on leadership role is ideal for an experienced chef who enjoys developing teams, leading by example, and taking ownership of kitchen operations.

You will also provide cover for the Head Chef when required, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and smooth kitchen performance.

This is a full‑time, permanent role working 40 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays as required.

On‑site accommodation may be available, subject to availability.

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa:

Set in the beautiful Somerset countryside, Cheddar Woods Resort offers luxury accommodation, excellent facilities, and outstanding hospitality. Located near the famous Cheddar Gorge, the resort provides a fantastic environment for both guests and team members, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional experiences.

What’s in it for you?

• Heavily discounted holidays across Darwin Escapes resorts.

• Discounts when dining or using spa facilities across our resorts.

• Free use of many resort facilities.

• MediCash Health Plan

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Training and development opportunities.

• Career progression opportunities.

• Access to employee benefits and discounts.

• Discounted gym memberships.

• Enhanced holiday and sick pay.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

• The opportunity to sell annual leave.

(Some benefits are subject to terms and conditions.)

About this role

As Assistant Kitchen Manager at Cheddar Woods Resort, you will play a key role in delivering an exceptional food and beverage experience. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will help lead the kitchen team, maintain high food quality and safety standards, and support the smooth day‑to‑day running of the kitchen. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef seeking a leadership role within a fast‑paced hospitality environment, combining hands‑on cooking with operational responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen.

• Act as deputy lead and oversee operations in the Head Chef's absence.

• Lead kitchen shifts and ensure efficient service.

• Prepare and deliver high‑quality dishes to company standards.

• Maintain food hygiene, health & safety, and compliance standards.

• Manage stock control, ordering, deliveries, and wastage.

• Support menu delivery, presentation, and food quality consistency.

• Train, coach, and develop kitchen team members.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment.

• Assist with labour control, kitchen performance, and cost management.

• Work closely with management and resort teams to support excellent guest experiences.

About the role

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Assistant Kitchen Manager, Senior Chef, or similar leadership role.

• Strong cooking skills within a busy kitchen environment.

• Experience leading shifts and supervising kitchen teams.

• Knowledge of stock management, ordering, and cost control.

• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.

• Ability to coach and develop team members.

• Excellent organization, communication, and leadership skills.

• Ability to perform well under pressure.

• A positive attitude and passion for great food and guest service.

Additional Information

The role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. It is based in a busy kitchen environment and involves standing for extended periods, with occasional lifting and moving of kitchen equipment and supplies.

About the company

At Darwin Escapes we operate a collection of unique holiday destinations across the United Kingdom, offering beautiful locations, quality accommodation and exceptional guest experiences.

Our resorts range from countryside lodge retreats to coastal escapes, each delivering high standards of hospitality, leisure facilities and service for our holiday guests and holiday home owners.

Whether working in food and beverage, housekeeping, grounds, maintenance, entertainment or management, our teams play an important role in creating welcoming environments and memorable experiences for every guest who visits our resorts.