Kitchen Manager
11 days ago
Islington
Position: Kitchen Manager Reporting To: Head Chef & Restaurant General Manager Team Responsibility: Kitchen Porters This is a high-volume, multi-outlet environment requiring strong organisation, structure, and communication across departments. Role Summary The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the overall control and organisation of kitchen stock and supply operations. This position ensures that all products entering and moving through the kitchen are accurately ordered, properly received, quality-checked, stored correctly, and clearly communicated across all kitchen sections. Working alongside the Head Chef, the Kitchen Manager plays an important role in supporting menu planning by managing supplier relationships, product sourcing, and cost control. Core Duties & Responsibilities Purchasing & Forecasting Manage all food and kitchen-related purchasing in line with menu needs, projected covers, seasonality, and event schedules Anticipate fluctuations in business levels and adjust orders accordingly Track market prices and identify cost-effective purchasing opportunities Maintain agreed stock holding levels to avoid both shortages and overstock Deliveries & Quality Assurance Oversee the full goods-in process Ensure all deliveries correspond with purchase orders Inspect all products on arrival for freshness, quality, and compliance Refuse items that do not meet company standards Accurately log delivery notes and invoices Maintain traceability records in line with food safety regulations Stock Control & Inventory Keep precise, real-time inventory records Lead weekly stocktakes and reconcile discrepancies Investigate and report variances Implement measures to reduce waste, loss, and inefficiencies Ensure correct stock rotation and clear date labelling procedures Inter-Department Communication Act as the central link between Goods In, the Prep Kitchen, and the Service Kitchen Provide clear daily updates on stock availability Coordinate stock allocation to ensure seamless service Ensure efficient movement of goods from storage through preparation to service Supplier Management Build and maintain effective relationships with approved suppliers Review supplier performance in terms of reliability, pricing, and quality Negotiate terms where appropriate Identify alternative or new suppliers with the Head Chef when required Support sustainable and seasonal sourcing practices Financial & Cost Management Monitor food cost performance and purchasing trends Assist with menu costings and portion control alongside senior management Ensure purchasing remains within agreed budgets Prepare weekly reporting on stock and cost performance Compliance & Operational Standards Maintain clean, organised, and compliant storage areas Ensure temperature monitoring and record keeping are completed accurately Enforce allergen management and product segregation standards Monitor maintenance of refrigeration and dry storage facilities Ensure safe manual handling practices and adherence to health & safety procedures Team Oversight Supervise the goods-in and stores function Provide training in stock handling, receiving procedures, storage standards, and safety Support performance management and operational discipline within the team Systems & Technical Competence Confident user of inventory and purchasing systems Experience with Fourth (inventory and invoicing) desirable Familiarity with rota management software such as Opyste Strong general IT skills with the ability to analyse stock and cost data This role requires a highly organised, detail-focused individual who can balance operational efficiency with cost control while supporting a fast-paced kitchen environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Change Hospitality is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and we strive to ensure that every employee feels valued, respected, and supported. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation and enhances our ability to deliver excellence TPBN1_UKCT