Chef / Cook
37 minutes ago
£32500–£38000 yearly
Full-time
London
Pay: £32,500.00-£38,000.00 per year Title: Kitchen Manager (Standalone) Reporting to: House Manager Hours: 40 hours per week Location: Railton House, 10 Craven Hill, London W2 3DT About the role LHA London is seeking an experienced and confident Kitchen Manager to lead the catering operation at Paddington House, one of our largest and busiest hostels. This is a hands on leadership role where you will manage a higher volume kitchen with full responsibility for service delivery. You will oversee the preparation of fresh meals with daily catering typically serving 80 to 100 residents. You will also supervise and support a small volunteer team to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. If you enjoy working at pace, leading others, and running a well organised kitchen that serves a large community, this role offers both challenge and impact. About us LHA London has provided affordable, good quality accommodation since 1940. Across thirteen hostels, we support nearly 2000 young people living, studying, and working in London. Our catering service plays an important role in resident wellbeing and helps create a welcoming, homely atmosphere. Key responsibilities' Kitchen and catering Prepare and serve breakfast and dinner daily for 80 to 100 residents Plan nutritious, appealing menus suitable for higher volume service Lead the day to day running of a busy kitchen Maintain consistent quality, presentation, and portion control Ensure efficient and timely service Volunteer supervision Lead, guide, and coordinate a small volunteer team Delegate tasks clearly and provide hands on support Create a positive, respectful, and organised working environment Ensure the kitchen is left clean and secure Stock, suppliers, and budgets Manage ordering, deliveries, and stock control for a high volume kitchen Monitor usage and minimise waste Build effective supplier relationships Control food spend and work within budget Identify opportunities to improve value for money Health and safety Maintain excellent hygiene and cleanliness standards Record daily temperatures and compliance checks Ensure full adherence to food safety and health and safety legislation Report issues promptly Working pattern 40 hours per week across five days, including some weekends. Typical shifts: Weekdays: 12pm to 9pm Weekends: 7am to 4pm What we are looking for You are calm, organised, and confident leading a busy kitchen environment. You enjoy working with larger numbers and feel comfortable managing higher volume service. You will bring: At least three years experience in a professional kitchen Experience in a senior or lead role Experience cooking fresh food for larger groups or community settings such as education, care homes, hostels, or similar high volume environments Strong stock control and supplier management skills Understanding of budgets and food cost control Solid knowledge of food hygiene and safety compliance Experience supervising volunteers or small teams Ability to stay focused and organised during busy services A proactive and solution focused mindset A passion for preparing quality meals for a large community Why join us Additional day off for your birthday after one year of service Free onsite meals while working Quarterly employee recognition awards Opportunity to join the Employee Forum Enhanced pension contributions with employer matching up to 10 percent Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to Work scheme and Season Ticket Loan Death in service cover Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits Ongoing training and development Regular staff events If you are ready to lead a larger scale kitchen and play a key role in the daily experience of hundreds of residents, Paddington House offers a rewarding and fast paced environment where you can make a real difference. Benefits: Additional leave Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Gym membership Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site gym Private medical insurance Sick pay Store discount