Kitchen Manager: Lead, Innovate & Drive Profit

Holiday Inn Ashford Central; Ashford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded apprenticeships

Discounts on hotel stays and retailers

Free gym and leisure facilities

Wellbeing support 24/7

Job summary

Kew Green Hotels in the UK is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to own the kitchen operation, drive quality, efficiency and profitability, and foster a positive culture for the team.

Reporting to the Hotel Manager, you will lead menu execution, manage budgets, ensure health and safety compliance, and develop your kitchen staff to deliver memorable guest experiences.

This role offers career development through apprenticeships and a supportive group environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or in a similar leadership role.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to motivate, coach and develop a team.
• Solid understanding of food safety, health & hygiene regulations and compliance requirements.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, controlling costs and driving profitability.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards.
• Proactive and solutions-focused mindset with a passion for delivering great food and experiences.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen function to operate efficiently, safely and profitably while delivering high-quality food.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training and development of line chefs.
• Review guest feedback and drive improvements in food quality and service delivery.
• Manage kitchen administration, including compliance documentation and audits.
• Ensure health, hygiene and food safety regulations are audit-ready at all times.
• Control stock, ordering, rotation and waste to maximise gross profit.
• Take ownership of budgets and deliver against financial targets.
• Collaborate with other departments to enhance guest experience.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Team development

Food safety

Budget management

Profitability

Communication

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Job description

Kew Green Hotels in the UK is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to own the kitchen operation, drive quality, efficiency and profitability, and foster a positive culture for the team.

Reporting to the Hotel Manager, you will lead menu execution, manage budgets, ensure health and safety compliance, and develop your kitchen staff to deliver memorable guest experiences.

This role offers career development through apprenticeships and a supportive group environment.