Lead Kitchen Manager for New Restaurant Opening

Aramark UK; Watford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Annual leave

Employee benefits platform

Online GP access

24/7 Employee Assistance

Mental Health Champions

Free meal on duty

Gym membership

Job summary

Aramark UK operates the Boiler House Restaurant, opening mid-January 2026, and seeks an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead back-of-house, ensuring food quality, safety and financial performance while building a high-performing team.

The role reports to the Restaurant Manager and focuses on menu execution, cost control, and continuous improvement to establish Boiler House as a destination dining venue.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong understanding of restaurant kitchen operations.
• Proven leadership with team development.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and health & safety.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience managing food costs, labour budgets and stock control processes.
• Hands-on leadership with a passion for food quality and operational excellence.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and peak trading periods.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Recruit, train and motivate the kitchen team.
• Manage food and labour costs against targets.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards and safety.
• Oversee stock control and supplier relationships.
• Drive waste reduction and efficient production.
• Keep a clean, safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with Restaurant Manager on objectives.
• Support menu development and improvements.
• Ensure allergen and health & safety compliance.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food safety

Leadership

Cost control

Stock control

Menu development

Job description

Aramark UK operates the Boiler House Restaurant, opening mid-January 2026, and seeks an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead back-of-house, ensuring food quality, safety and financial performance while building a high-performing team.

The role reports to the Restaurant Manager and focuses on menu execution, cost control, and continuous improvement to establish Boiler House as a destination dining venue.