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How to progress from Kitchen Assistant to Kitchen Manager at Greene King

Sam Stacey our consultant managing the role
Author Sam Stacey

Looking to build a career that serves up satisfaction every day? At Greene King, we believe in growing our people as well our plates. If you're wondering how kitchen career progression works here, specifically going from kitchen assistant to kitchen manager, you're in the right place.

At Greene King, where great food meets great opportunities, we love to see our employees climb the ladder and explore new opportunities in the business. 

So, whether you're already chopping and prepping, or just to starting to consider a kitchen role, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about kitchen assistant career progression and how to become a kitchen manager at Greene King.

Kitchen jobs at Greene King 

Joining one our pub kitchen is the beginning of an exciting journey. Our kitchens are exciting, fast-paced, and supportive spaces where your growth matters. No matter where you begin, there's always room to develop and thrive. 

Here are the three key kitchen jobs we offer and a brief description of what you can expect in each role: 

  • Kitchen Assistant - you’ll work your magic behind the scenes, prepping fresh ingredients and keeping the kitchen spick and span. 
  • Chef - you’ll cook and assemble dishes that taste great, look insta-worthy, and always turn up on time. 
  • Kitchen Manager - you’ll inspire our teams as they make and serve food that delights our customers. 


Skills needed in each kitchen job 


Our kitchen career progression is designed to build on the strengths you already have, and give you new skills to succeed at every stage. 
  • Kitchen Assistant skills - you’ll be an organisational wizard, juggling tasks efficiently, and making sure the kitchen is clean and safe. Attention to detail, a knack for multitasking, and a can-do attitude are your key ingredients for success in this role. 
  • Chef skills - crafting dishes that not only taste great but are also insta-worthy requires culinary prowess. Being reliable and delivering consistently top-notch dishes are the flavours that set you apart in the kitchen.
  • Kitchen Manager skills - leadership skills take centre stage as you guide and motivate your team to create and serve food that goes beyond satisfying hunger – it delights our customers. Communication, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the culinary world are your tools for success in this role. It's about creating a culture where the joy of cooking translates into memorable experiences for our customers. 

Kitchen assistant career progression 

At Greene King, we're all about helping you climb that kitchen ladder and spice up your career. So, whether you're just starting or you're a seasoned pro, let's turn up the heat together! 

Take the Apprenticeship route 

We offer a Chef Apprenticeship, where you can expect: 

      •  A mixture of face-to-face and virtual catch-ups with your learning coach every 4 to 6 weeks
      •  A mixture of on and off-the-job training, including workshops and webinars
      •  Feedback sessions to discuss progress
      •  Obtain Functional Skills in English and Maths (if you don’t already have GCSE)

You will be working towards a Production Chef Level 2 Qualification over 15 months.

Work your way up the ranks 

One of our values is having the freedom to succeed. What does this mean? It means you’ll be trusted to unleash your potential by thinking differently and doing the right thing. And we will be right there supporting you every step of the way. 

We understand that each person brings a unique flavour to our team, and we're committed to supporting your growth and progression. 

Your success is our success, and at Greene King, we're all about creating an environment where you can not only enjoy your work but also thrive and grow. 

Why become a kitchen manager at Greene King?

A kitchen manager job with us is a career packed with opportunity. You'll enjoy a competitive salary, fantastic benefits, and loads of room to grow even further. Manny kitchen managers progress to become general managers while some even take advantage of our internal mobility opportunities. 
You'll get to:
  • Lead and inspire your kitchen team
  • Play a key role in the overall success of the pub
  • Shape menus, manage costs, and drive standards
  • Grow your leadership skills while making a real impact

Unlock a kitchen career with Greene King

Now, that you’ve got a recipe for success, you too can begin your journey from Kitchen Assistant to Kitchen Manager at Greene King. 

Whether you're already donning the apron or just eyeing that Chef's hat, the path is flavourful, and the opportunities are sizzling. 

So, take that first step, whip up your skills, maybe dive into an Apprenticeship, and watch yourself climb that Greene King kitchen ladder. 


Your Greene King adventure awaits – get cooking with our Kitchen jobs today!

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Sam Stacey our consultant managing the role
Author Sam Stacey
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