Kitchen Manager - Northcote Road, London

Vagabond Wines; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant wine-focused restaurant in London seeks an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead and inspire a dynamic team. Your role is crucial in maintaining high food quality, mentoring junior chefs, and managing kitchen operations efficiently. Ideal candidates must have 8 years in hospitality and 5 years in kitchen management. Benefits include a health budget, discounts, and opportunities for training and growth. Join us in our mission to enhance the London wine scene!

Benefits

£950 wellness budget

Half-price cinema tickets

Competitive pay rates

Free meals during shifts

50% discount at Vagabond

Flexible working hours

Wine trips abroad

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years hospitality experience required.
• At least 5 years in kitchen management required.
• Food Safety Level 2 or 3 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen service efficiently even under pressure.
• Ensure all food prep is done to perfection.
• Manage stock levels and reduce waste effectively.
• Mentor junior chefs and guide their growth.
• Set a positive tone for the kitchen crew.
• Oversee hygiene and kitchen operations.

Skills

Hospitality

Kitchen management

Team-Building

Job description

The Role

The Role: Kitchen Manager: At the heart of our stores are of course people who through their vibrancy & energy bring our wines to life. Our food menu is simple, sleek and obviously delicious, created by our team of kitchen wizards every day to partner with our vast wine offering. This is a role where you can inspire, lead, engage and motivate a team to deliver something special every single day! Bonus Points (But Not Deal Breakers): Got your Food Safety Level 2 or 3? Gold star for you! If not, no stress. We're big on training, so you'll be up to speed in no time., Hospitality Enthusiasts: If making people feel welcome lights you up inside, you're definitely our kind of human. Sharp, Trusty, and All-Around Classy: You show up looking good, doing good, and being someone others count on. Total Foodie (Bonus if You Can't Stop Talking About It): Whether it's plating it or eating it, you've got mad love for great food. Team Player Vibes Only: Lone wolves need not apply, you're all about collaboration, communication, and the occasional mid-shift high five.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Line Like a Legend: You'll run service smoother than melted butter, even when the heat's on and the tickets are flying.
• Plan, Prep, Plate, Repeat: From mise en place to the final flourish, you make sure everything's prepped to perfection.
• Order Like a Pro: You know your par levels and projections better than your playlist. Stock smart, waste less, and keep the kitchen humming.
• Mentor with a Side of Sass: You'll teach, guide, and inspire junior chefs, because greatness starts at the prep bench.
• Captain the Kitchen Crew: You set the tone, keep the energy up, and make sure the team's firing on all cylinders (without actually setting anything on fire).
• Own the Ops: From hygiene checks to back-of-house brilliance, you've got full responsibility, and you handle it like a true culinary boss.

Requirements

• Hospitality: 8 years (required)
• Kitchen management: 5 years (required)
• Food Safety Level 2 or 3 (optional)
• Team-Building Superstars: You love helping people grow and glow-because a strong team is your happy place.

Who Are We?

Vagabond Wines is growing faster than your mate's beard during lockdown, and we're opening some brand-new sites. That means we're on the hunt for passionate, driven leaders to join our rebellion and help us take over the universe! (Okay, maybe just the London wine scene for now, but next...THE UNIVERSE!!)

Benefits

• £950 to spend on your mental and physical wellbeing every year
• A benefits package, including half-price cinema tickets, discounted holidays, shopping and gym memberships
• Free meals on every shift
• Competitive rates of pay
• Training and development out your ears
• 50% discount on everything in every Vagabond and 20% on Majestic Wine
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunity to grow and progress your career
• Referral fee
• Wine trips abroad
• Long Service Awards
• Birthday Present
• Volunteer Day Off
• Partayyyyyyyyys!