Lead a diverse team as a kitchen manager

Kitchen managers are the beating heart of our pubs and restaurants. Handling the heat of the kitchen and dishing up delights is second nature to them. If you’re looking to lead a kitchen to success, our kitchen manager jobs are the perfect opportunity. 

With over 200 years of history, we know how to create unforgettable experiences for our customers. We’re looking for kitchen managers who are excited to lead diverse kitchen teams as they deliver our classic meals.

Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or a graduate looking to get started, there’s no better place to take your career to the next level than Greene King. Here’s a look at how you can be successful in a kitchen manager job. 

What does a kitchen manager do?

Our kitchen managers are the key ingredients for success in our pubs and restaurants. They’re the glue that keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, even on the busiest of shifts. It’s not just handling spinning plates, of course. These leaders also make sure the food is spot-on and the team spirit is high. 

For a taste of what the kitchen manager job is all about at Greene King, check out our roles and responsibilities of a kitchen manager guide.

How to be a good kitchen manager

Being a great kitchen manager isn’t necessarily the same as being a great chef. You need interpersonal and leadership skills just as much as you need culinary skills. To cook up happiness for your team and for customers, you’ll need a sprinkling of the following attributes.

• Strong management skills: As the go-to person for your team, you'll need to be comfortable leading from the front. Whether it’s organising the chaos of a busy kitchen or showing the ropes to new starters, you’re there to guide and inspire.

• Keeping calm under pressure: You’ll need to stay cool as the service heats up. When the unexpected happens, your team will turn to you for the solution. Solving problems on the fly is a big part of the kitchen manager role. 

• Communication: Whether it’s giving feedback or resolving issues, you’ll need to know how to communicate clearly and effectively to get the message across.

• Organisation and planning: From stock levels to rotas, organisation is second nature to our kitchen managers. 

If this sounds like you, then you’ll have what it takes to become a kitchen manager.

How to manage diverse kitchen teams

At Greene King, we celebrate our differences. Our diverse and inclusive culture runs from top to bottom, and we recognise people for their talent and hard work first and foremost. 

Hospitality brings people together, and our kitchen teams reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Everyone’s welcome in our kitchens, and you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from all walks of life. 

Leading a diverse team is a rewarding and exciting part of a kitchen manager's duties. Here’s a few ways our kitchen managers excel at this every day.

• Embracing different perspectives: One of the big benefits of a diverse team lies in the unique skills and viewpoints each colleague brings to the table. We foster an environment where every team member has the space to shine.

• Equal opportunities always: Everyone deserves the chance to be the best version of themselves. We’re committed to breaking down barriers and giving each individual an opportunity to climb the ladder.

• Creating a positive environment: When people are valued, they feel happier at work. Between the helping hands of the leadership team and our dedicated ERGs, our kitchen team has everything it needs to thrive 

Bringing Greene King values to life in the kitchen

Our values and behaviours are the secret recipe that makes our Greene King kitchens a great place to work. By demonstrating these values everyday, you’ll set the tone for your team. 

Here’s how our kitchen managers bring these values to life in every shift and through every dish.

• Customer first: Whether it’s perfecting a pub classic or plating up a special request, you’ll want to delight the customer and each and every time. Happy customers start with a happy kitchen, and it all begins with the kitchen manager.

• We care: Care runs through everything we do. From supporting each other to acting sustainably, we’re always looking for new ways to do good for our people.

• Freedom to succeed: You have the freedom to shape both the kitchen and your career. As a kitchen manager, you can innovate to find the best route to success. There’s opportunities to grow and learn as well as managing the kitchen your way in this role. 

• Take ownership: It’s up to you to lead by example. With a positive, can-do attitude, you’ll take on any challenge and inspire your team to follow suit. As a kitchen manager, you have full autonomy to get the job done.

• Win, learn, celebrate together: Every win, no matter how big or small, is a reason to celebrate and smile. Whether it’s hitting a big milestone or just getting through a tough shift, we’re in it together.

Ready to cook up a storm?

Whether you’re a graduate looking for a fresh challenge or you’re a seasoned culinary hero, a kitchen manager job is a great next step. Our kitchens are a place where great food and even greater memories are made. You’ll be making a real difference when you join as a kitchen manager. 

If you’re ready to lead the charge in one of our bustling kitchens, we’re ready for you. Explore our kitchen manager jobs today.