At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performance kitchen, overseeing food production for events and retail.
- Company: Join Kalm Kitchen, an award-winning events business with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £60,000, growth opportunities, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Work alongside a loyal team in a culture of constant improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment where your leadership can make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and strong team leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
At Kalm Kitchen, we don't run a standard kitchen; we run a high-performance production engine at the heart of a fast-moving, award-winning events business. Based at our HQ in Puttenham, Surrey, our central production unit (CPU) sits alongside our offices, tasting room, and warehouse. It's where everything comes together: weddings, corporate events, tastings, retail production, and high-end hospitality. It's busy, it's varied, and it demands precision.
We are now looking for a Head of Production to lead this environment.
The RoleThis is a leadership role at the core of the business. You will be responsible for overseeing all food production across a wide variety of workstreams from large-scale weddings and corporate events to retail outputs and tastings, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency at every stage. You will take ownership of:
- Daily production across a high-volume, multi-stream kitchen
- People leadership across a hybrid team of full-time and freelance chefs
- Maintaining and evolving structured, tested production processes
- Driving standards, consistency, and accountability across the kitchen
- Delivering strong cost control, margins, and stock discipline
This is not just about cooking; that's a given at this level. This is about leading a production operation.
About YouYou will thrive if you:
- Have a strong background in large-scale event catering or high-end group production
- Are commercially aware; you understand margins, food cost control, and waste reduction in a real way
- Are confident leading teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Can bring structure, process, and clarity to a busy kitchen
- Have high standards and expect the same from those around you
You will be someone who enjoys the pace, the variety, and the challenge and who brings energy and control to it. A background in high-end kitchens is essential.
The Team & StructureYou’ll be working alongside a highly driven Executive Head Chef, who will support, train, and develop you but needs a confident Head of Production to take ownership of the day-to-day operation and allow him to focus on the bigger picture. You’ll inherit a loyal, experienced team, with some members having been with the business for over 12 years—a mix of full-time and freelance chefs who care about what they do and will support your success.
About Kalm KitchenWe are a founder-led, chef-driven business, with a deep understanding of what great kitchens look like and a clear expectation of excellence. We’ve built a reputation for:
- High-end, creative food
- Operational discipline
- Meticulous attention to detail
- A culture of constant improvement
We believe in 1% improvements every day and we expect our leaders to drive that mindset.
Salary & PackageStarting salary of £60,000, with flexibility for the right candidate based on experience. Opportunity to grow within a business with strong pipeline and expansion plans. Work within a supportive, ambitious leadership team.
Why Join UsWork in a varied, high-energy production environment. Be part of a growing business with significant opportunities ahead. Lead within a well-structured, well-run kitchen operation. Join a friendly, driven team pushing for excellence together.
Head of Production in Stoughton employer: Kalm Kitchen
Kalm Kitchen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and high-energy production environment where creativity meets operational excellence. Located in Puttenham, Surrey, our team thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement, with ample opportunities for professional growth within a supportive leadership structure. Join us to lead a passionate team in delivering high-quality culinary experiences while enjoying the benefits of working in a fast-paced, award-winning events business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production in Stoughton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in large-scale event catering makes you the perfect fit for the Head of Production role. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our dynamic team at Kalm Kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Production in Stoughton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for high-end production shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for leading a busy kitchen and how you thrive in fast-paced environments.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your background in large-scale event catering or high-end group production. We love details, so share specific examples of how you've managed teams and maintained quality in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Talk about your experience in leading diverse teams and how you’ve driven standards and accountability in your past kitchens.
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 Kalm Kitchen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kalm Kitchen
✨Know Your Production Processes
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food production processes, especially in high-volume settings. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented structured processes in previous roles and how they contributed to efficiency and quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach, particularly in fast-paced environments. Think of examples where you successfully led a diverse team, managed conflicts, or improved team performance, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Understand Cost Control
Since this role involves managing margins and food costs, come equipped with insights on how you’ve previously achieved cost control and waste reduction. Discuss specific strategies you’ve used to maintain profitability while ensuring high standards.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Excellence
Kalm Kitchen values meticulous attention to detail and a culture of constant improvement. Be prepared to express your commitment to these values and provide examples of how you’ve driven improvements in your past roles.
