At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage kitchen operations and support a dynamic culinary team in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Rocket Food, a top luxury catering company known for exceptional food experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, holiday perks, free lunches, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team delivering excellence in hospitality and making memorable events happen.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: London
Salary: £42,000 + excellent benefits
Rocket Food is one of the UK's leading luxury catering and events companies, renowned for delivering exceptional food experiences at some of the most prestigious events, venues, and private occasions. We're looking for an organised, proactive, and people-focused Kitchen Manager to join our culinary team and play a key role in supporting the smooth running of our busy production kitchen. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys combining operational excellence with strong administrative and people-management skills.
The Role
Reporting to the Executive Chef, you'll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administration and coordination of Rocket Food's kitchen operation. Acting as a central point of support for the culinary team, you'll ensure systems, processes, staffing, compliance, and documentation are managed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee kitchen administration, purchasing, and stock ordering through the FoodBuy system
- Coordinate Back of House agency staffing, including bookings, timesheets, and absence management
- Maintain kitchen databases, holiday records, event updates, rotas, and filing systems
- Manage and support compliance systems, including HACCP procedures and Checkit due diligence processes
- Operate company systems including Origami, AIR3, PeopleWorks, EventWorks, OurTime, and Source
- Support onboarding and induction processes for new kitchen team members
- Input and maintain recipes within the Source system
- Assist with reporting and scheduling maintenance and repair works
- Oversee kitchen porter housekeeping standards and daily operational support
- Deliver monthly Health & Safety conversations and training updates
- Ensure all food safety, workplace safety, and compliance documentation remains accurate and up to date
- Foster positive working relationships across kitchen, operations, and front-of-house teams
- Support senior culinary leadership when required
About You
- Previous experience in a kitchen management, hospitality administration, or operational support role
- Strong organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail
- Experience managing rotas, staffing records, and operational systems
- A good understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergens, and Health & Safety requirements
- Excellent IT and systems skills
- Strong communication and relationship-building abilities
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering excellence behind the scenes
What We Offer
At Rocket Food, we invest in our people and provide a rewarding environment where you can develop and grow your career. Our benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service
- Free staff lunch (HQ-based roles)
- Extensive training and development opportunities
- Employee referral bonus scheme
- Company pension
- Eyecare allowance
- Social and wellbeing events
- Retail and lifestyle discounts through our benefits platform
- Additional hospitality and event-related perks
Diversity & Inclusion
At Rocket Food, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. We believe diverse teams create better experiences for our clients and stronger opportunities for our people. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
Apply Now
If you're an organised and motivated hospitality professional looking to join a leading luxury catering business, we'd love to hear from you.
Kitchen Manager employer: Chartwells Independent
Rocket Food is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a competitive salary and a range of benefits including extensive training opportunities and a supportive work culture. Located in London, our dynamic kitchen environment fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for passionate hospitality professionals to thrive and develop their careers while enjoying perks like free staff lunches and social events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells Independent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
