Kitchen Manager, High volume cook.

The Plough; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A popular local restaurant in Lichfield is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead a high-volume kitchen focused on breakfast and brunch service. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills, ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene standards, and managing a team of sous chefs. Salary up to £30k plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and HACCP standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a busy kitchen during breakfast and brunch periods.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen info, and licensing requirements.
• Supervise and develop sous chefs/cooks.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety knowledge

Calm under pressure

Education

Culinary qualifications or equivalent experience

Job description

Lead and manage a busy kitchen during breakfast and brunch periods.

Plan, prepare, and present high-quality dishes that meet standards.

Manage daily operations, ensuring service is efficient and timely.

Stock & Ordering

• Monitor stock levels, ingredients, and supplier performance
• Place orders with approved suppliers, ensuring best value and timely delivery
• Control and rotate stock to minimise waste (FIFO)

Food & Hygiene

• Enforce strict food safety, HACCP, and allergen management
• Conduct regular kitchen cleanliness checks and deep cleans
• Manage waste, portion control, and minimisation strategies
• Maintain accurate records for temperature logs, line checks, and cleaning schedules

Team Management

• Supervise and develop sous chefs/cooks; provide coaching and feedback
• Create and manage rotas, ensuring adequate coverage for all services
• Conduct regular performance reviews and training sessions
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture

Menu & Compliance

• Assist with menu development, portion control, and costings
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen information, and licensing requirements
• Implement SOPs and best practices across the kitchen

Budget & Controls

• Monitor food cost targets, waste reduction, and GP% improvement

We are seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead a high-volume kitchen focused on high volume, breakfast and brunch service. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, excellent organisational skills, and a passion for delivering high-quality food with consistency. This role is a high volume environment and includes ordering stock, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, and managing a team of sous cooks.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced breakfast/brunch or high-volume environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and UK hygiene standards (e.g., EHO requirements).
• Culinary qualifications or equivalent experience preferred.
• Proficient in stock management, ordering, and cost control.
• Calm under pressure with a solutions-focused mindset.

Hours: 5 days over 7. Must include a Saturday. 08:00-16:00.

Salary: up to £30k plus benefits.