Job Description

What does this role entail?

Reporting to the Kitchen Manager, you'll take the lead in their absence and be responsible for the day-to-day management of our kitchen teams across Longleat and its associated outlets. This is a hands-on role focused on delivering exceptional food quality and ensuring full compliance with corporate food safety standards.

Key duties will include:

To achieve business objectives as set by the Kitchen Manager, which include quality of food guest scores, food safety audit scores, food wastage control tolerances and food production labour costs Attend daily briefings as a departmental ambassador and contribute key information to all departments Support the Kitchen manager in the recruitment of staff for the food production team in line with requirements Train, coach and develop the kitchen team tiers to support succession planning at all levels Deliver the highest standard of preparation and service of all food and beverage items Line manage the delivery of the required volumes of food items for the food and beverage production areas to meet variable demands as cascaded by weekly park footfall forecasts and data provided by the Food and Beverage Product and Compliance manager. Attend meetings and training courses as may be necessary from time to time and schedule reporting team to complete training commensurate with roles. Support the Kitchen manager in the control and maintaining of levels of all food storage areas and ensure deliveries are packed away upon receipt and that all stock is rotated using the FIFO system of work Provide regular stock checks in line with standard operating procedures Manage kitchen safety and promote a culture of safety first within the food and beverage teams. Manage all kitchen opening and closing procedures To carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the post as may be required from time to time

About you

Minimum 3 years' experience of leading a Kitchenteam within the hospitality industry in a multi food outlet site or large-scale production site CIEH approved level 3 food safety or equivalent NVQ Levels 3 in Professional cookery or equivalent. Calm under pressure, ability to plan and prioritize and work to tight deadlines and within set budgets Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate with people at all levels: peers, managers, and members of the public Driven and positive, with an ability to motivate both self and line reports to work independently A positive and solution focused attitude towards work

A little about us

At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.


With a core business welcoming around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our values

We believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.

Why join the Longleat team?

In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats during your lunch break.


You will receive attractive benefits that include:

29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 31 days at 5 years' service. Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata 50% off Membership for Friends and Family Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise Discounts on VIP Experiences and Accommodation Discretionary bonus scheme Employee Assistant Programme Employer contributory pension scheme Life assurance scheme Perks at work Range of flexible working schemes Great progression opportunities available.

Your contract

You will receive a salary of circa 28,000 per annum. This is a permanent 40 hour contract/fixed term contract with working hours to vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required.

Sounds great! How do I apply?

If you are interested in this role, please apply online. Interviews may take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if enough suitable applicants are received.



No Agency Please.