Kitchen Manager

Compass Group; Forest Row; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider in the UK is seeking a Kitchen Manager for Glyndebourne. This role involves overseeing stock management, food ordering, and cost control across multiple outlets while ensuring operational excellence during events. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, a keen attention to detail, and experience in the kitchen environment, supporting the culinary team effectively. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are included.

Benefits

Free meals on shift

Free onsite car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes

Access to a Digital GP for you and your family

Travel discounts with leading brands

Savings on supermarket shopping

Up to 44% off cinema tickets

Cashback rewards and retail discounts

Free wellbeing, mindfulness, and exercise classes

Discounts shared with friends and family

Qualifications

• Experience as a Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Chef de Partie with strong admin/stock skills.
• Confident with ordering systems, goods receipting, and supplier communication.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead all stock management processes across multiple kitchens.
• Manage all food ordering using approved suppliers and systems.
• Support the Head Chef in ensuring consistent food quality and presentation.
• Work closely with chefs, front-of-house teams, venue management, and RA support teams.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Food cost understanding

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Stock/ordering platforms

Job description

Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Glyndebourne, East Sussex
Salary: £33,000 per annum + tronc
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the Kitchen Manager at Glyndebourne Dining, you will play a vital operational role within this prestigious cultural venue, ensuring that all kitchen processes run smoothly, efficiently, and financially sound. Working as part of Restaurant Associates Venues (Compass Group), you will oversee stock management, food ordering, goods receipting, and day-to-day cost control across multi-outlet operations during the world-renowned Glyndebourne Festival and year-round events.

This role is ideal for a highly organised, detail-focused kitchen professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes ownership of kitchen administration, stock systems, and cost controls while supporting the wider culinary team.

Responsibilities:

Stock Control & Cost Management

• Lead all stock management processes across multiple kitchens
• Conduct accurate monthly stock takes and support weekly spot checks
• Monitor usage, wastage, and variance, taking proactive steps to reduce loss
• Support the Head Chef in achieving GP and waste reduction targets
• Maintain clean, organised, and compliant dry stores, fridges, and freezers

Food Ordering & Supplier Management

• Manage all food ordering using approved suppliers and systems
• Forecast stock levels based on business volume and seasonal requirements
• Ensure orders are placed accurately, on time, and in line with budget

Goods Receipting & Compliance

• Oversee goods-in processes, ensuring accurate delivery checks
• Verify weights, quality, temperatures, and invoice accuracy before receipt
• Accurately process goods receipting on internal systems
• Flag discrepancies and follow up with suppliers to resolve issues

Operational Excellence

• Support the Head Chef in ensuring consistent food quality and presentation
• Assist in menu implementation, recipe compliance, and daily production planning
• Maintain full adherence to food safety, allergen laws, and company procedures

Team Support & Communication

• Work closely with chefs, front-of-house teams, venue management, and RA support teams
• Ensure the kitchen team understand stock, ordering, and cost procedures
• Support smooth service during peak periods with hands‑on leadership

The Ideal Candidate:

• Experience as a Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Chef de Partie with strong admin/stock skills. Please note this is not a Chef role – Chef experience desirable
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Strong understanding of food costs, GP, stock rotation, and waste control
• Confident with ordering systems, goods receipting, and supplier communication
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and compliance processes
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and stock/ordering platforms
• Calm, positive, and adaptable during fast‑paced periods, especially festival season
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Passionate about food quality, efficiency, and operational excellence

What We Offer:

• Free meals on shift
• Free onsite car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes
• Access to a Digital GP for you and your family
• Travel discounts with leading brands
• Savings on supermarket shopping
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cashback rewards and retail discounts
• Free wellbeing, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Discounts shared with friends and family

About Us:

Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates Venues delivers exceptional hospitality experiences across iconic cultural and heritage destinations. At Glyndebourne, our mission is to support world‑class performances with outstanding food and service throughout the festival season and beyond.

Compass Group champions an inclusive culture where every colleague feels valued, supported, and able to thrive‑because diversity is our strength.