At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious dishes in a stunning forest setting.
- Company: Join Blackwood, where passion for cooking meets a supportive work environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, performance bonuses, and subsidised meals.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and community involvement through volunteering.
- Why this job: Make an impact while enjoying a great work-life balance in nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 € per year.
Are you passionate about cooking? Join us at Blackwood to keep your passion for cooking while enjoying a better work‑life balance.
Location: Blackwood Forest (Hampshire). 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 Blackwood Forest team. Work in one of the UK’s most stunning forest locations, developing your skills while providing outstanding service to our guests.
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. Our 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- 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 our guests’ expectations, as well as developing them into future leaders
- Skillful food preparation and handling, ensuring the quality and presentation of the food is to the highest standard and to agreed specification standards
- Comply with Health and Safety and complete required paperwork associated within a food environment and oversee all cleaning rotas
- Commercial acumen and a desire for driving commerciality while controlling cost to budget
- IT acumen and Microsoft Office software understanding
We’re looking for a Kitchen Manager who enjoys leading from the front and creating a positive, supportive kitchen environment. 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 is desirable
- 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
Kitchen Manager employer: FOREST HOLIDAYS LIMITED
At Blackwood, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inspiring work environment for our Kitchen Manager role in the breathtaking setting of Blackwood Forest, Hampshire. With generous holiday allowances, performance-based bonuses, and a strong focus on employee development, we ensure that our team members not only thrive professionally but also enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Join us to lead a passionate kitchen team while enjoying unique benefits like subsidised meals and a day dedicated to volunteering, all within one of the UK's most stunning natural locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider doing a trial shift or a cooking demonstration if the opportunity arises. This gives you a chance to showcase your talent and passion for cooking directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out to places you’d love to work at, like Blackwood, and express your interest. A friendly email or call can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Blackwood Forest.
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 kitchen's vibe at Blackwood.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the Kitchen Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire and mentor a team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Blackwood Forest!
How to prepare for a job interview at FOREST HOLIDAYS LIMITED
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the kitchen operations at Blackwood. Research their menu and think about how you can contribute to their culinary offerings. Being able to discuss specific dishes or service improvements will show your passion and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Kitchen Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about times when you’ve inspired your team or handled conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to create a positive kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed costs and driven commercial performance in previous roles. Bring up any experience you have with budgeting, purchasing, or stock control. This will highlight your understanding of the business side of running a kitchen.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
