At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic kitchen team while maintaining high food safety standards.
- Company: Join Stonegate Group, the UK's largest pub and bar operator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, discounts, and access to mental health resources.
- Why this job: Shape kitchen operations and make a real impact in a fun, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for coaching and mentoring.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and energetic team.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
About Us
Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported, we reflect the vibrant communities we serve and empower our people to thrive.
Location: Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a skilled Kitchen Manager or Kitchen Team Leader who is ready to take the next step in their career. In this leadership role, you’ll play a key part in shaping our kitchen operations, maintaining high standards, supporting and developing the kitchen team at Slug & Lettuce.
As Kitchen Manager you will:
- The ability to support, coach, and mentor your team at Slug & Lettuce.
- A high standard of food knowledge and skill.
- An up-to-date COSHH, Food Safety, H&S, and legal knowledge.
Some of the things you’ll be doing as a Kitchen Manager:
- Hiring and onboarding of new team members in an inclusive and welcoming manner.
- Leading, guiding, and developing your kitchen team, ensuring they have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities.
- Maintaining high standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety, creating a safe and organised workspace for all.
- Managing the kitchen schedule to ensure efficient staffing while meeting labour targets.
- Conducting regular stock checks to ensure cost management and meet performance goals.
- Taking a proactive approach to increasing sales and driving growth by fostering strong relationships between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
What makes Stonegate a great place to work?
At Stonegate, we believe that when you feel your best, you do your best. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the health, happiness, and overall wellbeing of every team member. From mental health resources to lifestyle perks and flexible support, our benefits are designed to help you thrive, both in and out of work.
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- Exclusive discounts on Dental Insurance
- Reward Card via the MiXR app, giving you and your friends 25% off food and drinks as well as VIP entry across our Managed Estate
- Access to your pay early via Stream
- The Stonegate Xtra portal with access to a wide range of high street discounts and offers
- Discounted access to David Lloyd membership
- Mortgage advice via Charles Cameron
- Additional discounts for personal car leasing
- Up to £1000 “Refer A Friend” incentive
- Additional discount at Stonegate Hotels
- Award‑winning Learning & Development programmes to drive your career
If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptations can be put in place to assist you. Please contact Slug And Lettuce directly.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing Hospitality
Permanent - Full-time
Posted 15 days ago
Closing date: 24/11/2025
Job reference: SC1428972CheKM
Kitchen Manager in Essex employer: Slug and Lettuce Leeds
Contact Detail:
Slug and Lettuce Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into Slug & Lettuce and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff if you can; it’ll give you a feel for the team culture and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've supported and developed your kitchen team in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others and create a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your food safety knowledge! Make sure you're up-to-date with COSHH and food hygiene regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show us you’re serious about maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our awesome benefits right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and knowledge, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our kitchen team.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Kitchen Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've supported and developed others in previous roles, and how you can bring that to Slug & Lettuce.
Be Yourself: We value individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our inclusive culture at Stonegate Group.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you one step closer to joining our vibrant team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Slug and Lettuce Leeds
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your food safety and hygiene knowledge, especially COSHH regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Whether it’s coaching, mentoring, or managing schedules, be ready to share specific instances where you’ve made a positive impact on your team.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Stonegate Group and its venues, particularly Slug & Lettuce. Knowing their values and how they operate will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Kitchen Manager.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Growth Strategies
Think about ways you can drive growth in the kitchen. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster relationships between the kitchen and front-of-house teams to enhance overall performance and customer satisfaction.