Deputy Kitchen Leader: Growth, Standards & Profit

Holiday Inn Milton Keynes East; Newport Pagnell; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Kew Green Hotels is seeking a Deputy Kitchen Manager to support a high-quality, efficient kitchen operation and lead the team when the Kitchen Manager is away. You will ensure food safety, standards and profitability while maintaining guest satisfaction.

This role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and a proactive approach to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced hotel kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Experience at Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie level.
• Good understanding of kitchen operations, food safety and compliance standards.
• Strong leadership potential, with the ability to motivate and influence others.
• A proactive, hands-on approach and willingness to step up when needed.
• Commercial awareness, with an understanding of cost control and waste reduction.
• The ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive, can-do attitude and a desire to progress your career.

Responsibilities

• Stepping into a leadership role in the absence of the Kitchen Manager, ensuring smooth operations.
• Ensuring all food is prepared, presented and served to brand standards and food safety requirements.
• Working alongside the Kitchen Manager on menu planning and implementation to drive quality and guest appeal.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation and compliance across the kitchen.
• Supporting stocktakes, ordering and stock control to minimise waste and support profitability.
• Contributing ideas and feedback to improve kitchen performance and guest experience.
• Ensuring all health, safety, hygiene and food safety standards are consistently met.
• Training, motivating and supervising team members to deliver service excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Cost control

Teamwork

Communication

Hands-on

Job description

Kew Green Hotels is seeking a Deputy Kitchen Manager to support a high-quality, efficient kitchen operation and lead the team when the Kitchen Manager is away. You will ensure food safety, standards and profitability while maintaining guest satisfaction.

This role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and a proactive approach to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced hotel kitchen environment.