Kitchen Operations Manager in Kingston upon Thames

Chick-fil-A is coming to Kingston, bringing one of the most recognised hospitality brands from the United States to the local community. We are known for freshly prepared food, friendly service, and a culture that puts people first. We are passionate about creating meaningful career opportunities in hospitality. Whether you are looking for your first role, a part time position, or a long term career, we offer a supportive environment where Team Members can grow, develop leadership skills, and be part of a founding team from the ground up. Community matters to us. We are building a restaurant that is rooted in the area it serves, where Team Members feel proud of the impact they have locally and where Guests experience genuine care every time they visit. Our focus on people, excellence, and care guides how we show up for our Guests, our neighbours, and each other every day.

Pay: Competitive, plus benefits

Location: Kingston upon Thames

Contract: Full Time

Start date: Late February

About the role

Imagine a role where you can build your future, make someone’s day, and lead others to do the same. As Back of House Manager, you will be responsible for leading all kitchen operations, ensuring consistently high standards of food safety and compliance, developing people, and delivering strong food quality and speed. Working closely with the Owner/Operator and leadership team, you will set expectations and uphold Chick-fil-A values. You will help deliver a calm, well organised BOH environment, while creating a positive environment for Team Members and supporting a great experience for Guests. You must be available to work weekdays and Saturdays, across mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

Why join us

• Be part of the opening leadership team for a brand new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Kingston, working directly with the Owner/Operator and experienced leaders
• Clear development plan with genuine opportunities to progress within the business
• Closed on Sundays
• Competitive package, including free lunch when on shift
• Meaningful responsibility and ownership from day one

Responsibilities include

• Lead all BOH operations during shifts, including scheduling, labour stewardship, and deployment
• Leading a kitchen team of approximately 35 Team Members
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and quality standards are consistently met within BOH operations
• Manage food quality, throughput, and speed of service
• Maintain control of food costs, waste, and inventory levels
• Create and maintain a positive, respectful, and professional working environment
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development for Team Leaders and BOH Team Members
• Support training, progression, and performance management within BOH
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and make confident, timely decisions on shift
• Oversee inventory management, deliveries, and coordination with facilities and equipment support
• Drive continuous improvement across BOH systems, processes, and team performance
• Work collaboratively with Front of House and leadership teams to deliver smooth service

Physical and safety requirements

• This role includes manual handling tasks, including lifting items of up to 15kg
• Work involves standing for extended periods in a BOH environment

About you

• Experience leading a high volume hospitality or quick service operation is required
• Enjoys coaching, developing, and motivating others
• Leads by example and takes pride in setting standards
• Calm under pressure and able to lead effectively in a fast paced environment
• Strong communicator with a people first mindset
• Experience and confidence to act as the most senior leader in the restaurant when required
• Passionate about delivering high quality, great tasting food to consistently high standards
• Motivated to grow as a leader within the business