At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and inspire your team in a stunning woodland setting.
- Company: Join Forest Holidays, a unique retreat focused on sustainability and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, annual bonuses, and discounted stays for you and your loved ones.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Balance your passion for cooking with a healthier 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.
Love Cooking, But Ready for Better Balance? Join Forest Holidays as a Kitchen Manager.
Salary: Up to £32,000 per annum
Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week
Working pattern: 5 days out of 7, including alternate weekends
Are you a passionate Kitchen Manager looking for something more than the usual hospitality grind? At Forest Holidays, you can continue doing what you love while enjoying a healthier work‑life balance in one of the UK’s most breathtaking woodland locations. Nestled within Glentress Forest, our unique retreat offers guests the chance to escape everyday life, and offers you the opportunity to lead a kitchen surrounded by nature, not city stress.
The Role
As Kitchen Manager, you’ll lead all kitchen operations within our Forest Retreat — the social heart of the location, featuring a restaurant, bar and shop. Guests can dine with us or enjoy freshly prepared meals delivered directly to their cabin. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll inspire your team, drive standards, manage commercial performance and help create unforgettable guest experiences.
Responsibilities
- Leading the day‑to‑day kitchen operation
- Coaching, mentoring and developing your team
- Maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation standards
- Managing kitchen compliance, HACCP and health & safety procedures
- Driving efficiency, stock control and budget management
- Creating a positive, supportive and high‑performing kitchen culture
- Ensuring smooth service during busy holiday periods
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a confident and motivating leader who thrives in a busy kitchen environment and genuinely enjoys developing people.
Required Qualifications
- Experience in a fast‑paced food & beverage environment
- Previous leadership or kitchen management experience
- Strong organisational and multitasking skills
- A calm, solutions‑focused approach under pressure
- Passion for great food and outstanding guest service
- Experience with stock control and purchasing
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who leads from the front and takes pride in creating a kitchen where people enjoy coming to work.
Why Forest Holidays?
We’re not your typical hospitality business. We create memorable stays in beautiful forest locations while protecting and conserving the land around us. With over 800 colleagues across the UK, we’re passionate about sustainability, wellbeing and helping people reconnect with nature.
Benefits
- 31 days holiday (including bank holidays), plus extra with long service
- Annual bonus linked to customer service performance
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Subsidised meals while on shift
- Discounted Forest Holidays and Sykes Cottages breaks for you, friends & family
- One paid volunteering day each year
- Pension scheme, life assurance & health cash plan
- Long service awards, wellbeing events & team celebrations
- Hundreds of retail discounts across top UK brands
At Forest Holidays, we believe in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll be happy to support you. Please note: If successful in the role, any job offer will be subject to pre‑employment checks, including a basic criminal record check.
Kitchen Manager in Peebles employer: Forest Holidays
At Forest Holidays, we pride ourselves on being more than just a hospitality employer; we offer a unique opportunity to work in stunning woodland settings while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a Kitchen Manager, you'll lead a passionate team in a supportive environment that values sustainability and personal growth, with benefits like generous holiday allowances, enhanced family leave, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to create unforgettable experiences for our guests while enjoying the beauty of nature and a culture that celebrates wellbeing and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager in Peebles
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Forest Holidays' social media and website. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in, plus it gives you some great talking points during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on your leadership style and how you’ve developed your team in past roles – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for food! Bring along examples of your best dishes or talk about your favourite culinary experiences. This will not only showcase your skills but also your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager in Peebles
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 mission at Forest Holidays.
Highlight Leadership Experience:We want to see how you've led teams in the past. Include examples of how you've motivated and developed your kitchen staff, as this is key to creating a positive kitchen culture.
Be Organised and Clear:Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to showcase your skills and experience, especially around compliance and stock control.
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 Forest Holidays!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest Holidays
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, including food safety standards and stock control. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy kitchen environment. Highlight your coaching and mentoring experiences, as Forest Holidays is looking for someone who can inspire and develop their team while maintaining high standards.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Since Forest Holidays values a healthier work-life balance, be sure to express your enthusiasm for this aspect. Share how you manage stress and maintain a positive kitchen culture, which aligns with their mission of creating a supportive work environment.
✨Passion for Food and Guest Experience
Demonstrate your passion for great food and outstanding guest service during the interview. Prepare to discuss your favourite dishes to create and how you ensure guests have memorable dining experiences, as this will resonate well with their focus on unforgettable guest experiences.
