Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
📍 New Forest Area
💰 Up to £38,000 (DOE)
⏱ 40 hours per week | Permanent
🍽️ Lead the Kitchen. Shape the Menu. Inspire the Team.
We’re on the lookout for a passionate Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to take the reins of a busy, high-volume kitchen in a stunning countryside holiday destination.
This isn’t your typical volume catering role — you’ll have genuine creative freedom to design dishes, influence menus, and bring fresh, from-scratch cooking to life.
If you’re a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves delivering exceptional food experiences, this could be your perfect next move.
👨🍳 What You’ll Be Doing
As Kitchen Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the operation — leading your team, driving standards, and ensuring every dish delights guests.
Your key responsibilities will include:
* Leading and inspiring the kitchen team day-to-day
* Overseeing all Back of House operations
* Ensuring consistently high food quality and presentation
* Managing stock, food costs, and margins effectively
* Recruiting, developing, and motivating your team
* Working closely with Front of House to deliver a seamless guest experience
* Driving compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
* Creating seasonal specials and contributing to menu development
🔥 What We’re Looking For
We’re searching for a strong, motivated leader with a real passion for food and people.
You’ll ideally have:
* Level 2 Food Hygiene (Level 3 preferred)
* Experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager in a fast-paced environment
* Strong financial awareness and experience managing KPIs
* Excellent organisational and communication skills
* A passion for fresh food and great customer experiences
* Resilience and a positive, can-do attitude
✨ Experience within hospitality, leisure, or holiday parks is a bonus — but not essential.
🏡 The Perks
* Competitive salary up to £38,000
* Bonus scheme
* Pension scheme
* Life insurance
* Enhanced family benefits
* Employee discounts platform
* Discounts on holidays and on-site facilities
* Recognition and reward programmes
* On-site accommodation available (subject to availability)
🎯 The Lifestyle
This role is based in a vibrant holiday environment, so flexibility is key — including weekends and bank holidays. In return, you’ll enjoy a unique, energetic workplace where no two days are the same.
🌈 Our Culture
We’re proud to be a people-first organisation that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and individuality. We believe the best teams are built on different perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas — and we encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work.
🚀 Ready to Take the Lead?
If you’re ready to step into a role where you can truly make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and take the next step in your culinary career