Kitchen Manager

Are you passionate about Cooking? Join us at Thorpe to keep your passion for cooking while enjoying a better work-life balance.

Location: Thorpe Forest (Norfolk)
Salary: Up to £32,000 per annum
Hours: Full time – 40 hours per week
Working pattern: 5 days out of 7, including alternate weekends

We have an exciting opportunity for a Kitchen Manager to join our Forest Holidays Thorpe Forest team. Our cabins offer a natural escape beside the banks of the River Thet, close to where the Norfolk and Suffolk borders meet. Choose a cabin beneath the tranquil canopy of the forest or opt for a more open aspect in the picturesque woodland glade.

The Kitchen Manager role:

The Kitchen Manager will oversee all kitchen activities within our Forest Retreat – the hub of the location, which includes a bar, restaurant, and small shop. Guests can dine in the restaurant or have the full menu delivered to their cabin. You will be responsible for the kitchen set‑up including any SSOW, HACCP changes required, while ensuring efficient service, timely order delivery, and commercial performance.

Responsibilities include:

• Day to day management of the kitchen
• Auditing, coaching and mentoring the team to achieve the highest standards
• Inspiring the kitchen team to over‑deliver on guests’ expectations, and developing them into future leaders
• Skilled food preparation and handling, ensuring the quality and presentation of food is to the highest standard and to agreed specification standards
• Comply with Health and Safety and complete required paperwork associated with a food environment, and oversee all cleaning rotas
• Commercial acumen and a desire to drive commerciality whilst controlling cost to budget
• IT acumen and Microsoft Office software understanding

About You

We’re looking for a Kitchen Manager who enjoys leading from the front and creating a positive, supportive kitchen environment. You’ll take pride in developing your team, helping them grow in confidence and skill while maintaining a culture where everyone works together to deliver a fantastic experience for our guests. By coaching, mentoring and motivating the team, you’ll ensure the kitchen runs smoothly even during our busiest holiday periods.

You’ll bring:

• Experience of working in a fast‑paced, busy kitchen in a food and beverage environment
• Experience leading, coaching or mentoring a kitchen team
• Ability to multitask in a high‑pressure environment with care and due diligence
• Passion for delivering great customer service
• A supportive and motivating leadership style
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• The ability to remain calm and organised during busy services
• A passion for developing others and building a strong team culture
• Previous experience in purchasing and stock control desirable

Who Are Forest Holidays?

Our business has been recognised as a force for good. Our holidays are unique, and so are we. We’re a team of 800 people. We’re stewards of 244.5 hectares of forest. We manage the land for conservation and create spaces in nature for people to stay. Our tucked‑away cabin locations are always thoughtfully placed. They’re places to discover the wonders of nature and realise the part we all play in protecting it.

Why Join Us?

• Generous holiday allowance – 31 days’ holiday (including bank holiday days), and up to 5 extra with long service
• Performance‑based bonuses – paid annually when customer service targets are met
• Enhanced parental leave – (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at full pay)
• Long‑service awards and company events – celebrate success with your team
• Pension scheme – secure your future with our company pension
• One full paid day to volunteer – give back to a cause you care about
• Subsidised meals – discounted food when working on location
• Health cash plan & life assurance – covered by the company to keep you protected
• Wellbeing events & activities – focus on mental and physical wellness
• Save on breaks – discounted and last‑minute stays at Forest Holidays and Sykes Cottages for you, your friends & family
• Hundreds of discounts – save on top brands across the UK

Reasonable Adjustments: We’re all about diversity, inclusion, and bringing your authentic self to work. Need adjustments for the recruitment process? Just ask, our team is happy to help.

Click ‘Apply’ now to start your journey with us at Thorpe Forest (Norfolk). Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!