Kitchen Manager Job Description: Roles & Responsibilities

WHAT SKILLS YOU BRING

Cooking up happiness is what you do best, but here are some key skills that’ll help you turn your kitchen job into a career: 

• Time management - You don’t want people waiting for their food, so things must move smoothly. 
• Leadership skills - like in a sports game, you want your team to work together towards a common goal.
• Eye for detail - ingredients need to be prepped to perfection.
• Working under pressure - the kitchen is fast-paced, and you must stay on top of changing demands. 
• Adaptability - In busy periods or unexpected situations, you need to be quick on your feet. 
• Excellent communication skills - you want your team to feel supported and motivated so they can perform their best.

ARE YOU READY TO TURN UP THE HEAT IN THE KITCHEN? 

Meeting the high standards of our hungry customers can be a challenge but a rewarding one. 

Take charge of the kitchen and inspire your team to cook up a storm.

There is no better feeling when everything in your kitchen runs smoothly and goes right. 

Deliver outstanding value, unforgettable service, and unbeatable quality with Greene King as one of our Kitchen Managers. 

If you know your kitchen inside and out, we’ve got a space for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a kitchen manager higher than a chef?

The kitchen manager and chef have distinct roles in many establishments, but their relative hierarchy can vary based on the restaurant or establishment's structure. 

Typically:

• Kitchen Manager: Focuses on operational aspects, including staffing, inventory, equipment maintenance, budgeting, and ensuring the kitchen adheres to health and safety regulations.
• Chef: Concentrates on culinary responsibilities such as creating menus, preparing dishes, maintaining food quality, and training junior kitchen staff in cooking techniques.

In some establishments, especially larger ones, the kitchen manager may have a more overarching role, making them "higher" in the sense of broader responsibilities.

However, in smaller establishments or those with a strong culinary focus, the chef might hold the primary leadership role in the kitchen. 

Sometimes, especially in smaller venues, one person might undertake both roles. 

What are kitchen manager skills?

A kitchen manager must juggle various responsibilities, and this requires a diverse skill set:

• Organisational Skills: To manage inventory, rosters, and kitchen processes efficiently.
• Leadership: Guiding the kitchen team and resolving conflicts.
• Budgeting: Keeping track of finances, from food costs to wages.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety: Ensuring adherence to food safety standards and health regulations.
• Communication: Effective dialogue with suppliers, staff, and front-of-house managers.
• Problem-Solving: Addressing issues promptly, from equipment breakdowns to supply shortages.
• Technical Culinary Knowledge: While they might be cooking less than a chef, understanding the basics of culinary arts helps in decision-making and communication.
• Customer Service: Handling feedback and complaints gracefully.

What is your responsibility as a kitchen team leader?

As a kitchen team leader, often seen as a midpoint between line cooks and top-tier kitchen management, your responsibilities include:

• Supervision: Overseeing the daily activities of kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow.

• Training: Guiding newer or less experienced staff in kitchen procedures and techniques.

• Quality Control: Ensuring dishes are prepared consistently and meet the establishment's standards.

• Communication: As a bridge between kitchen staff and upper management, conveying feedback in both directions.

• Inventory: Assisting with stock control, including checking supplies and noting when reorders are needed.

• Maintenance: Ensuring kitchen equipment is in good working order and reporting issues.

• Health and Safety Compliance: Adhering to and ensuring the team follows all food hygiene standards and safety regulations.

• Support: Stepping into various kitchen roles as needed, especially during busy periods or staff shortages.

A kitchen team leader requires culinary expertise and strong leadership capabilities, as they are crucial in maintaining a harmonious and efficient kitchen environment.