Kitchen Manager / Head Chef - Spa Café
Elveden Forest | Circa £42,016 per annum plus 12% bonus schemeVitalé Café Bar serves Mediterranean-style dishes and drinks in Aqua Sana Forest Spa.
Serve up the flavour that turns a good break into a great one
We're looking for a Kitchen Manager / Head Chef to lead a team and deliver exceptional food quality and service to guests. You'll oversee kitchen operations, ensure high standards, manage budgets and foster a positive team culture.
What you'll be doing
- Oversee and coordinate all kitchen operations to company standards
Ensure food quality, service and guest satisfaction while meeting financial targets
Maintain strict hygiene and safety compliance
Collaborate with the Restaurant Manager to drive business success
Lead, motivate and manage the kitchen team, fostering a positive and high-performing culture
What's in it for you
- Free day passes and access to leisure facilities (including the spa)
Discounts on breaks and in our shops and restaurants
Bonus scheme and recognition rewards
A supportive, friendly team
Career development and in-role training
Your working hours
- Vitalé Café Bar is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8:30pm
Full-time contract, with shifts falling between 7:30am and 9pm
You will be contracted to work 150 hours over a 4‑week period
This role includes early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays
About you
- Experienced in leading kitchen teams in fast-paced environments
Strong financial awareness in stock control, scheduling and waste reduction
Proven management experience in large-scale kitchen operations
Experience in training and developing a kitchen team
Motivational leadership fostering collaboration and accountability
Empathetic and supportive approach to leading a team
Our values
Each colleague at Center Parcs is involved in building better worlds for our guests, colleagues, communities and our environment. Contributing to our purpose means living out our values: We care, we're brave, we're determined and we're naturally us.
Sound like your kind of job?
Apply online today - interviews are ongoing
Working here
Check your route before applying - Elveden Forest (IP24 3TR), isn't easily reached by public transport: Plan Your Journey
Closing date: 23rd November 2026
Please note this vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
Follow us - Facebook | LinkedIn
At Center Parcs, everyone's welcome.
We recognise that we're all at our best when we're being ourselves. We are committed to building a culture that champions diversity, equity and inclusion, where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want them to feel valued for their individuality, thrive in our business and share a sense of belonging. We place a lot of value on recruiting based on behaviours rather than prioritising qualifications or experience.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, please let us know if you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process.
Kitchen Manager / Head Chef - Spa Café in Thetford employer: Center Parcs
Center Parcs is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and festive work environment at Sherwood Forest, where team members can enjoy the spirit of the season while developing their skills. With flexible part-time hours, generous employee benefits including free day passes, and a strong focus on teamwork and personal growth, this role provides a unique opportunity to create memorable experiences for guests during the holiday period.
