Job Description

We are a Yorkshire-based catering company delivering high-quality food for weddings, corporate events, private parties and venue-based functions. We're looking for a hands-on Kitchen Manager to assist with leading our kitchen operations--from prep and production through to event execution--ensuring consistently excellent food, compliance, and a calm, well-run kitchen.

Key responsibilities

Kitchen leadership & operations

Lead day-to-day kitchen operations for event catering (prep, production, packing, service support where required). Work alongside and support the Senior Chefs with day-to-day kitchen management, ensuring prep lists, production schedules and service deadlines are met. Manage kitchen workflow across multiple simultaneous events and deadlines. Build rotas, allocate duties, brief the team, and maintain standards under pressure. Maintain a clean, organised kitchen and production space at all times. Step in to lead prep/production when required, keeping standards high and the kitchen running smoothly.
Food quality & event delivery

Ensure food is produced and presented to a consistently high standard. Oversee portion control, batch cooking, finishing, and packaging for off-site service. Support event delivery plans with FOH teams (timings, kit lists, hot holding, service sequence). Drive continual improvement: tastings, feedback loops, refining processes.
Stock, suppliers & cost control

Order stock and ingredients, manage supplier relationships, and ensure deliveries are checked and stored correctly. Monitor wastage, margins, and portioning to hit food cost targets. Maintain accurate stock rotation and storage (FIFO), labelling, and allergen separation.
Food safety, hygiene & compliance

Own kitchen compliance: HACCP, EHO readiness, temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and audits. Ensure allergen management is robust and consistent (Natasha's Law / PPDS where applicable). Train and coach the team on food safety, hygiene and safe systems of work.
People management

Recruit, onboard, train and develop kitchen team members (including casual/event staff). Maintain a positive, professional culture--clear expectations, fair standards, and strong communication. Handle performance issues promptly and constructively. Support the Senior Chefs in coaching and developing the wider kitchen team, including casual/event staff.
What we're looking for

Proven experience in a high-volume kitchen leadership role (catering/event catering preferred). Strong operational planning--able to manage prep schedules for multiple events. Confident people manager with a calm, organised, "get it done" approach. Excellent food safety knowledge (Level 3 Food Safety ideal). Solid understanding of allergens, dietary requirements and cross-contamination controls. Comfortable with early starts, weekend work, and peak seasonal periods. Experience with weddings / corporate events / off-site catering logistics. Menu development and costing experience. Full UK driving licence (useful for event support and site visits).
Working pattern

Variable hours around events (including weekends and early starts). Predominantly Yorkshire-based with travel to event venues as required.
What we offer

Competitive salary (DOE) + paid overtime/time off in lieu where applicable. A supportive team and a company that takes food seriously. Opportunity to shape kitchen systems and grow with the business.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 34,000.00-37,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person