The Assistant Kitchen Manager supports the Kitchen Manager in the day-to-day operation of the kitchen at Pitch Middlesbrough. Pitch is a high-volume sports bar delivering premium, fast-paced casual food including burgers, wings, salads, platters and nachos. Food is served boxed and collected in a quick-turn, high-footfall environment, combining speed of service with consistent, high standards. The Assistant Kitchen Manager plays a key operational role in delivering quality at pace, maintaining kitchen standards and leading shifts effectively. In the absence of the Kitchen Manager, the Assistant Kitchen Manager assumes full responsibility for kitchen operations. We expect you to be punctual, organised, hands-on and capable of leading from the front during busy service periods. Key Responsibilities Operational Support Support the Kitchen Manager in coordinating daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient and consistent food production. Lead service periods to ensure food is delivered quickly, accurately and to Pitch build specifications. Maintain product quality, temperature control and presentation standards during high-volume service. Ensure prep levels are sufficient for service and support effective shift handovers. Shift Leadership Supervise kitchen staff during shifts, providing direction and maintaining productivity. Step into full leadership responsibility in the absence of the Kitchen Manager. Support training and development of junior team members to maintain standards and pace. Promote teamwork, accountability and strong communication within the kitchen. Food Safety & Compliance Ensure full adherence to Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety regulations always. Carry out delivery checks, storage monitoring, labelling and temperature controls. Maintain a clean, organised and audit-ready kitchen environment. Report any compliance or safety concerns to the Kitchen Manager or General Manager. Stock & Cost Control Assist with stock rotation and waste management to support gross profit targets. Monitor portion control and build accuracy to maintain consistency and margin. Support stock counts and ordering processes as required. Standards & Systems Follow and uphold all documented recipes, prep systems and service specifications. Ensure kitchen procedures are consistently followed during all shifts. Support implementation of new menu items or operational adjustments as directed by the Kitchen Manager. Equipment & Maintenance Ensure all equipment is used correctly and safely. Report any maintenance issues promptly. Support efficient kitchen layout and workflow during service. Administrative Support Assist with completion of required kitchen logs and compliance documentation. Support rotas and shift planning where required. Provide feedback to the Kitchen Manager regarding service performance and team development. Key Skills Required Strong understanding of high-volume kitchen environments. Experience in fast-paced casual dining or sports bar operations. Ability to lead a team confidently during busy service. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Strong knowledge of Food Safety and hygiene standards. Calm and decisive under pressure. Hands-on, proactive and team focused. Committed to maintaining quality, speed and consistency. Qualifications Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene (essential). Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene (desirable). Relevant professional cookery qualification (essential). Previous experience as a Senior Chef de Partie, Shift Leader or Kitchen Supervisor / Assistant Kitchen Manager in a high-volume kitchen. Experience working in branded or multi-site operations (desirable). Health & Safety training (desirable).