Kitchen Manager - Lead Menu Innovation & Growth

Realise HR; Longtown; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff accommodation available

Free parking

Discounts across the business

Career development and training

Job summary

Haithwaite Farm Café & Central Production Kitchen in Longtown, Cumbria, is hiring a hands-on Kitchen Manager. You will lead the kitchen and production operation, develop seasonal menus, manage stock and budgets, and ensure top food quality across cafe, events and farm shop.

We value strong leadership, Food Hygiene qualifications and a proactive, collaborative approach. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, with weekends and occasional evenings, and offers staff accommodation and career

Qualifications

• A recognised NVQ qualification, or equivalent, in Food Preparation and Cooking.
• Current Food Hygiene and Health & Safety certifications.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience managing stock, purchasing and kitchen budgets.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of the kitchen and production areas.
• Create, develop and implement seasonal menus.
• Ensure all food is prepared, presented and stored to the highest standards.
• Support food production for café service, events and farm shop operations.
• Drive sustainability initiatives and operational efficiencies throughout the kitchen.
• Manage stock control, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Monitor kitchen budgets, food costs and departmental expenditure.
• Manage rotas, holidays and labour costs effectively.
• Recruit, train, motivate and develop members of the kitchen team.
• Conduct staff reviews and support performance management processes.
• Promote a positive, professional and team-focused working culture.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and health & safety compliance.
• Ensure all kitchen records, temperature logs and administration are accurately completed.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Stock management

Budgeting

Organisational skills

Time management

Calm under pressure

Guest service

Education

NVQ in Food Preparation & Cooking

Job description

Haithwaite Farm Café & Central Production Kitchen in Longtown, Cumbria, is hiring a hands-on Kitchen Manager. You will lead the kitchen and production operation, develop seasonal menus, manage stock and budgets, and ensure top food quality across cafe, events and farm shop.

We value strong leadership, Food Hygiene qualifications and a proactive, collaborative approach. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, with weekends and occasional evenings, and offers staff accommodation and career