Kitchen Manager: Launch a New Destination Restaurant

Aramark; Watford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Generous annual leave

Employee benefits platform

Meals on duty

Gym membership

Job summary

Aramark UK is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead the Boiler House Restaurant kitchen as it opens in mid-January 2026. You will oversee food production, manage a high‑performing team and ensure consistency, brand standards and food safety.

This hands-on leadership role offers £40,500 per year, a 45‑hour week, pension and life assurance, generous annual leave, an employee benefits platform, and meals on duty.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or similar leadership role.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations within a restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and health and safety regulations.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience managing food costs, labour budgets and stock control processes.
• A hands-on leadership style with a passion for food quality and operational excellence.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting a new restaurant opening would be advantageous.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and peak trading periods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Recruit, train, develop and motivate a high-performing kitchen team.
• Manage food cost, labour cost and kitchen operating expenses against agreed targets.
• Ensure all food is prepared and served in line with brand specifications and company standards.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, inventory management and supplier relationships.
• Drive waste reduction initiatives and maintain efficient production processes.
• Ensure all food safety, allergen and health and safety requirements are met at all times.
• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager to deliver operational and financial objectives.
• Support menu development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment throughout the kitchen.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety & HACCP

Team development

Budgeting & cost control

Stock management

Menu development

Time management

Operational excellence

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Aramark UK is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead the Boiler House Restaurant kitchen as it opens in mid-January 2026. You will oversee food production, manage a high‑performing team and ensure consistency, brand standards and food safety.

This hands-on leadership role offers £40,500 per year, a 45‑hour week, pension and life assurance, generous annual leave, an employee benefits platform, and meals on duty.