At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals for our guests.
- Company: Join Forest Holidays, a company dedicated to conservation and unique holiday experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days of holiday, performance bonuses, and discounted stays.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cooking with a supportive work environment and great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team focused on wellness and community.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
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.
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!
Kitchen Manager employer: FOREST HOLIDAYS LIMITED
Contact Detail:
FOREST HOLIDAYS LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media and website to see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! If you get a chance, bring a dish or two to share during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to impress guests.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees if you can. They can give you insider tips on what the interviewers are looking for and what it’s really like to work there. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how they align with our values at Forest Holidays.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Kitchen Manager, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to mention any past experiences where you've coached or mentored others. We want to see how you inspire and motivate your team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Thorpe Forest.
How to prepare for a job interview at FOREST HOLIDAYS LIMITED
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, including SSOW and HACCP standards. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in a busy environment like Thorpe Forest.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your coaching and mentoring experiences, as well as how you inspire others to deliver exceptional service.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Cooking
Express your love for cooking and how it translates into your work. Share specific dishes or techniques that excite you, and be prepared to discuss how you maintain high standards in food preparation and presentation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about handling high-pressure situations, such as busy service periods. Think of examples where you've remained calm and organised, and how you ensured your team performed at their best during peak times.