At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations of a unique restaurant in a pioneering rewilding project.
- Company: Join Knepp, a 3,500-acre estate dedicated to nature conservation and sustainable dining.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, staff discounts, team trips, and a fun work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours, primarily daytime, with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with passionate chefs and ecologists.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in hospitality management and a knack for leading teams.
Job Type: Permanent/Full Time – 45 hours across five working days.
Knepp is a 3,500 acre estate devoted to nature conservation based pioneering rewilding principles. Using grazing animals as the drivers of habitat creation, and with the restoration of dynamic, natural water courses, the project has seen extraordinary increases in wildlife.
The estate attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year and is the subject of a best-selling book, many newspaper articles and a major film, released in cinemas and now on major streaming platforms.
The new, £4m Wilding Kitchen & Shop combines a Michelin‑listed restaurant, courtyard with airstream coffee trailer, market garden (growing our own organic produce) and our shop.
The site is primarily daytime only (breakfast and lunch, seven days a week), with occasional evening events.
Knepp has created a butchery, producing award‑winning beef, venison and pork. As part of this new venture, the restaurant is able to showcase the best quality, wild range, organic meat, as well as produce from our new 3‑acre organic market garden. Our aim is to create one of the most exciting and sustainable culinary locations in Britain, with a dedicated local and national following.
The Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic, enthusiastic, talented and passionate manager looking for a new challenge and to make a difference to the planet. Working alongside a team of expert chefs, growers, butchers, stockmen and ecologists they will lead the creation of a unique restaurant at the heart of one of the UK’s pioneering rewilding projects, establishing it as a trusted and revered food destination. Following our latest green Michelin star, we are always striving to improve our customer experience and teams table service etiquette. The ideal candidate will be an integral part of the team, being energetic and engaging with our team, spreading this to our guest’s experience, day and night.
Responsibilities
- Overseeing & managing day to day operations of our 160 cover the site in absence of manager
- Maintaining high quality service across two private dining spaces, main restaurant and our courtyard airstream
- Resolving complaints promptly and professionally
- Clear and precise daily communication to the front and back of house team.
- Monthly stock takes & weekly stock ordering
- Communicating with suppliers as and when needed
- Completion of daily administrative tasks; emails, etc
- Managing team; rota’s, daily skills, sickness
- Ensuring health & safety protocols are kept in place
Experience
- Minimum 2 years in a respectable hospitality establishment
- Minimum of 2 years managing a team, rotas and day to day running of shifts
- Door host and Sevenrooms booking system (or equivalent)
- Bar trained (hot and cold drinks; cocktails etc)
- Ordering and stock taking
- Back office operations of till systems
Driving licence essential
Weekends 1 day (flexibility to cover holidays)
- To act as a role model to your team
- To work with higher management to build the team into the best people for the right roles
- To develop, train and coach your team
- To bring fun and positive energy to the workplace and ensure a happy, motivated, and focused team
- To offer guidance to your team
- To ensure high customer experience and promote our ethos
- To champion swift, efficient, knowledgeable and engaging restaurant service
- To ensure compliance by the team of standard operating procedures
- To engage with the wider Estate team in the delivery of events
P&L
- To manage the rota effectively to deliver target wage costs
- To assist in engaging the team in the weekly targets
Operation
- To maintain a safe workplace
- To ensure the restaurant environment is well maintained and meets internal brand standards
- To continuously manage FOH stock
- Working during service hours to ensure high levels of organisation and standards
- Wine training/tastings
- Fixed days off
- Team trips, safaris of the rewilding project, and annual parties
- Share of tips
- Primarily day time hours (9am-5pm)
- Staff discounts across Knepp Estate
Please click APPLY to submit your CV for this role.
Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of Food Services Supervisor, Catering Supervisor, Catering Manager, Front of House Manager, Front of House, Food and Beverage Supervisor, Food & Beverage Manager, Restaurant Manager, Senior Waiter, Senior Waitress, Bar Tender, Serving Assistant, Catering Assistant, General Assistant, Food and Beverage Staff, Hotel, Bar, Restaurant may also be considered for this role.
Knepp is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our team as much as we do in our landscape. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Knepp.
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Knepp Wilding Kitchen – Deputy Front of House Manager in Horsham employer: Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP
Join a prestigious rewilding estate in England as a Seasonal Breakfast Chef, where you'll have the opportunity to work with exceptional, estate-sourced ingredients in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our various perks and a culture that values creativity and passion for food, making this an ideal place for culinary professionals looking to make a meaningful impact during the vibrant spring and summer months.
Contact Details:
Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Knepp Wilding Kitchen – Deputy Front of House Manager in Horsham
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We think you need these skills to ace Knepp Wilding Kitchen – Deputy Front of House Manager in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
