Kitchen Manager in Harrogate

Location

On site / Harrogate, UK

Job type

Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector

Arts | Hospitality

Salary

Competitive salary

About us

Fodder is an award‑winning farm shop and café celebrating the very best food and drink from Yorkshire.

It acts as a shop window for local farmers and producers, helping consumers to access local food easily.

All the profits from Fodder go to help fund the charitable work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Fodder is well known for its quality and exceptional customer service.

Fodder is accredited with Best Companies as a Top 75 Mid‑sized Employer in the UK, Top 20 UK Best Charitable Employer, and top 45 Best Regional Employer in Yorkshire & Humber.

Purpose of the Role

This is an exciting time to join the Fodder team, as we look to develop and expand our catering offer.

The ideal candidate will have the experience, energy and desire to develop this key role, as we continue to grow.

Managing the overall daily operations of the kitchen and supporting Fodder takeaway, delivering first‑class Yorkshire dishes whilst ensuring efficiency and financial targets are met.

To train and motivate the team and to ensure they are knowledgeable about the amazing Yorkshire food we serve.

Be organised, with the administration of managing a team efficiently.

Working Pattern

40 hours per week, working 5 out of 7 operational days of the week.

Key Responsibilities

• Run a successful kitchen team and manage the day‑to‑day operations of a busy kitchen.
• Consistently produce and deliver top‑class Yorkshire dishes.
• Create menus that showcase Yorkshire produce and coach the team to ensure quality, economical and timely food production.
• Ensure all kitchen staff operate to high standards of food production and cooking, maintaining portion sizes, garnishes and final product presentation and food hygiene standards.
• Lead, inspire and manage the kitchen team in line with Society procedures and policies.
• Induct and train team members following Society policies and provide ongoing support to all Fodder colleagues.
• Achieve financial targets, including sales and pricing to achieve product margin and wage margin targets. Use the EPOS system to run daily and weekly reports.
• Assist the Catering Manager in maintaining high customer satisfaction and resolve any customer complaints.
• Plan and prepare kitchen schedules, ensuring these are kept within budget.
• Ensure all health and safety regulations for Fodder are adhered to, including maintaining and updating allergen processes.
• Follow the Fodder HACCP plan and complete all relevant paperwork, maintaining 5‑star food hygiene standards.
• Recruit and select kitchen team members with the assistance of the Catering Manager.
• Liaise closely with the café team to ensure seamless communication of food orders and service integration.
• Competitively order stock, ensure regular rotation and control, proactively manage wastage and minimise waste across the business.
• Work with the Catering Manager to promote local Yorkshire suppliers and create daily specials incorporating seasonality and current food trends.
• Plan and execute successful events, which may include occasional evenings.
• Be a key holder, opening and locking Fodder as required.
• Serve as a fire warden and first aider for Fodder.
• Recognise the importance of fairness and equality in the workplace, treating everyone with dignity and respect.
• Act as an ambassador of the Society values.

Experience & Qualifications

• Considerable experience producing consistently top‑quality food in a busy kitchen.
• Considerable experience leading a successful kitchen team while maintaining profitability.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Software Suite.
• Food safety level two qualification, First Aid qualification and fire marshal preferable.
• Personal Skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Polite and approachable.
• Focus, thoroughness and keen attention to detail.
• Good writing ability and ability to produce reports.
• Can‑do/will‑do attitude.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Analysis of own performance and takes steps to improve.
• Remains focused when faced with competing demands.
• Keeps people informed of progress on key tasks.
• Adapts communication style to customers/colleagues, responding to feedback or queries.
• Works to tight deadlines.
• Accepts new ideas and change initiatives.
• Conducts themselves in a courteous and professional manner.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.
• Salaries and Benefits
• 20% discount in our onsite award‑winning Farm shop Fodder
• 50% discount at Harrogate Sports and Fitness centre
• 2 x staff social events
• Pension 3% employer contribution
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and a GP helpline
• Non‑Contributory life assurance of 4x annual salary
• Complimentary Great Yorkshire Show tickets after qualifying period
• Free parking
• Work life balance
• Closed on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
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