Assistant Kitchen Manager

Darwin Escapes; Wedmore; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted holidays

Dining discounts

Free resort facilities

MediCash Health Plan

Employee assistance

Training & development

Career progression

Employee discounts

Gym memberships

Enhanced holiday pay

Cycle to Work

Sell annual leave

Job summary

Darwin Escapes is seeking an Assistant Kitchen Manager at Cheddar Woods Resort in the UK. You will support the Head Chef, lead shifts, oversee stock and cost control, and ensure high food quality and safety standards. On-site accommodation may be available and the role requires flexibility, including weekends and bank holidays.

You will work closely with the Head Chef to deliver exceptional guest experiences and maintain smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• 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 organisation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to perform well under pressure.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Stock management

Food safety

Cooking skills

Team coaching

Communication

Job description

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 organisation, 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.

Required Criteria

Skills Needed

About The Company

A Darwin Escape is all about creating the perfect destination for our guests to relax, explore and make lasting memories. Whether guests are looking to unwind in peaceful countryside surroundings or enjoy a fun-filled break with family and friends, our resorts offer a variety of experiences designed to suit every type of holiday.

Across our resorts, we offer a range of accommodation, from luxury lodges with private hot tubs to spacious caravans and unique stays such as treehouses. Each location has its own character, facilities and atmosphere, but all share the same focus on delivering high standards of hospitality and memorable guest experiences.

Our beautifully maintained resorts feature excellent on-site facilities and welcoming environments where guests can relax, recharge or enjoy adventure and exploration in some of the UK's most desirable locations.

Behind every great Darwin Escape is a dedicated team. Our colleagues play a vital role in ensuring every guest enjoys their stay, helping to create the friendly atmosphere and outstanding service that our resorts are known for.

Company Culture

At Darwin Escapes we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our teams work together to create welcoming environments and memorable experiences for our guests across our resorts throughout the United Kingdom.

Each of our destinations has its own personality, from luxurious lodge retreats to family-focused resorts and peaceful countryside locations. While every resort is unique, all of our teams share the same commitment to delivering outstanding service and creating great experiences for our guests and holiday home owners.

We are proud to offer a friendly and supportive working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop their skills and grow their careers. Whether you are starting your first role in hospitality or progressing into management, Darwin Escapes provides opportunities for development, training and career progression across our growing collection of resorts.

Wherever you join us, you will become part of a team that values professionalism, teamwork and pride in delivering exceptional service.

Company Benefits

At Darwin Escapes, we believe in supporting our people. That’s why we offer a range of benefits, training opportunities and perks across our resorts.

Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Free parking, Cycle to work, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Discount on meals purchased , Discount on spa treatments or products, Free parking or Discounted parking , Employee Assistance Scheme, Progression opportunities, Bereavement leave

Salary

£13.08 per hour