At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage food cost systems and kitchen profitability across multiple venues.
- Company: Join The Evolv Collection, a premium hospitality group with iconic restaurants worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off meals, wellness support, and exclusive discounts through the Telus app.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values sustainability and operational excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in kitchen control or food cost management; strong Excel skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, volunteering, and recognition through awards and incentives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
The Role: Group Kitchen Controller
The Location: Across All Our Venues
The Salary: Competitive Salary
Our industry leading benefits have you covered!
- Industry leading pay: We value your expertise and dedication.
- Dine with style: Enjoy a lavish 50% discount at all our restaurants, all day, every day.
- Exclusive perks: Our teams have access to some of the best discounts and cashback from a range of top retailers and cinema tickets at unbeatable prices through the Telus app.
- Financial freedom: Take control of your finances with Wagestream – track your earnings in real time, access up to 40% of your pay instantly and save directly from your salary.
- Wellness support: Your wellbeing matters to us! Benefit from a confidential Employee Assistance Program with a 24/7 helpline and 6 complimentary sessions with a trained counsellor.
- Total Wellbeing Package: Embrace a holistic approach to health with WeCare – offering UK based online GP appointments, mental health counselling, fitness programs, legal and financial guidance and more!
- Dental care made easy: With Tooth Fairy you have instant access to expert advice and prescriptions from the comfort of your own home.
- Nourish your body: We offer healthy and nutritious meals whilst on shift.
- Recognition and Reward for a job well done: Shine bright with our Employee of the Month scheme, Long Service Awards and numerous group incentives. You may even earn a place at our yearly employee awards night!
- Grow with us: You will have access to some of the best training our industry has to offer. You will have access to our training platform, Evolv Edge which is packed with resources to nurture your skills and knowledge.
- Get some rest: Your holiday allowance increases with length of service.
- Make a difference: Give back to the community with an optional paid day each year for volunteering efforts.
Who we are:
The Evolv Collection is a pioneering, premium hospitality group, founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1991. Our portfolio includes the most iconic restaurants in modern history, homed in London, Birmingham, Manchester and New York.
Every brand in the collection has its own heritage, distinctive character, offering and ambience. By striving for excellence through investing in our people, we drive a passion to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
A bit about what you will be doing:
As Group Kitchen Controller, you will oversee the end-to-end management of our food cost systems, supply chain processes, and kitchen profitability across the group. Working closely with our BOH Operations Director, Purchasing team, Culinary Leadership, and restaurant teams, you will drive visibility, accuracy, and accountability in stock, purchasing, and menu costing.
You’ll be responsible for developing and implementing cost control strategies, managing supplier partnerships, and ensuring systems are correctly utilised and maintained. Your insights and data analysis will directly support the culinary and operations teams in delivering consistent margin performance, food quality, and compliance.
In support of our 2028 Vision and strategic priorities, the Group Kitchen Controller plays a vital role in delivering operational excellence, championing sustainability, and supporting menu execution and gross margin success across the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
Menu Costing & Engineering
- Own and maintain accurate menu costing using related systems.
- Track COS projections and flag variances across all menus.
- Review menus continuously to ensure margins and allergens data are up to date.
- Support new menu launches with detailed costings, allergens, and reporting.
- Collaborate with the culinary team on menu development and pricing strategy.
Supply Chain & Sustainability
- Support the management of suppliers, balancing cost, quality, and ethics.
- Integrate sustainability metrics into sourcing and supply processes.
- Maintain accurate certification and sourcing data for key products and suppliers.
System Management & Controls
- Oversee the integrity of our systems and purchasing platforms.
- Lead on PLU, button updates, purchasing codes, and allergen information.
- Establish system protocols to mitigate risk and prevent manipulation.
Stock Control & Cost of Sales
- Lead stocktaking accuracy and reporting across all sites.
- Analyse and report food cost performance weekly to Directors.
- Monitor wastage, transfers, and consumption patterns to improve accountability.
- Conduct spot-checks and investigate anomalies in stock or usage data.
Food Sales Analysis & Profitability
- Deliver food sales mix reports to highlight performance trends.
- Work with restaurants to identify high-performing dishes and pricing opportunities.
- Tender supplier accounts annually to ensure value and alignment with goals.
Food Safety Support
- Conduct annual food safety audits across sites.
- Support EHO visits and internal audit readiness.
- Contribute to ongoing improvement in food safety procedures and documentation.
Communication & Reporting
- Provide regular, clear reporting to BOH Director and Culinary leaders.
- Cascade system and process updates to restaurant and chef teams.
- Ensure accurate allergen and spec data is distributed promptly.
- Contribute to internal meetings and development planning as needed.
What We’re Looking For:
- 5+ years' experience in a kitchen controller, BOH systems, or food cost management role
- A background in multi-site restaurant operations is essential
- Proven ability to work with systems such as Fourth, MarketMan, or similar
- Strong Excel and data analysis skills — able to turn numbers into actionable insights
- Experience in menu engineering, purchasing, and margin analysis
- High attention to detail, proactive mindset, and confidence in working cross-functionally
- Understanding of allergen compliance, food safety, and operational risk
- A passion for food, sustainability, and hospitality excellence
At The Evolv Collection, we celebrate diversity in all its forms. We embrace and support individuals from every background, culture, and identity. Join our team where everyone is welcomed, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Group Kitchen Controller employer: The Evolv Collection
Contact Detail:
The Evolv Collection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Kitchen Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in kitchen management or food cost control. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific systems mentioned in the job description, such as Fourth or MarketMan. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills in these platforms, as this will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in multi-site restaurant operations during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed food costs, supplier relationships, and menu engineering in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for sustainability and food quality by staying updated on industry best practices. You could even bring ideas to the table about how to integrate sustainability metrics into supply chain processes, which aligns with the company's vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Kitchen Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in kitchen control, food cost management, and multi-site restaurant operations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in data analysis and menu engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and hospitality. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Group Kitchen Controller role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to The Evolv Collection's vision.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency with systems like Fourth or MarketMan, as well as your strong Excel skills. Provide examples of how you've used these tools to drive profitability and improve operational efficiency in previous roles.
Showcase Your Understanding of Sustainability: Discuss your commitment to sustainability in the food industry. Include any relevant experiences where you have integrated sustainable practices into supply chain processes or menu development.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Evolv Collection
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Kitchen Controller, you'll be dealing with food cost management and menu engineering. Brush up on your Excel skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis to drive profitability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Experience
With 5+ years of experience required, make sure to highlight your background in multi-site restaurant operations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen controls and supplier partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
The Evolv Collection values sustainability, so be prepared to discuss how you've integrated sustainable practices into your previous roles. Share any initiatives you've led or been a part of that align with this focus.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to food safety, menu development, and how they support their teams. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company culture.