Kitchen Manager Job, London
Our client, a hospitality business representing a premium members-style restaurant and events venue in Central London, is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager. Taking full operational responsibility for kitchen stock control, supplier management, goods receiving, and inventory systems. The operation combines high-quality dining with private events and terrace service, requiring strong operational control behind the scenes. Working closely with the Head Chef, the Kitchen Manager supports menu development from a sourcing, costing, and supply perspective while maintaining tight cost control and operational efficiency.
Location: Central London
Salary: £35,000–£40,000 per annum
Additional Earnings: Tronc (conservative estimate £12,000 per annum)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Head Chef & Restaurant General Manager
The venue:
70-cover restaurant with additional 14-seat bar
40-cover terrace and bar
14-seat private dining room
Three dedicated event spaces
This role ensures that the right product is:
Ordered correctly
Delivered correctly
Checked correctly
Stored correctly
Clearly communicated between goods-in, prep kitchen, and service kitchen
Key Responsibilities
Stock Ordering & Forecasting
Place all food and kitchen-related orders based on menu requirements, forecasts, seasonality, and event demand
Monitor market pricing and trends
Maintain par levels across all categories
Proactively prevent shortages or excess stock
Goods Receiving & Quality Control
Oversee all goods-in deliveries
Ensure deliveries match purchase orders
Conduct strict quality checks on arrival
Reject substandard goods in line with company standards
Maintain accurate invoice and delivery documentation
Ensure full traceability compliance
Inventory Management & Weekly Stocktakes
Maintain accurate, real-time inventory records
Conduct and oversee weekly stocktakes
Investigate and report stock variances
Implement waste and shrinkage controls
Ensure correct stock rotation and date labelling
Communication Flow Between Kitchen Areas
Act as the operational bridge between goods-in, prep kitchen, and service kitchen
Allocate stock clearly between areas
Maintain daily visibility on product availability
Ensure smooth stock movement from storage through to service
Supplier Relationships & Sourcing
Maintain professional communication with approved suppliers
Negotiate pricing and trading terms where appropriate
Monitor supplier performance (quality, reliability, pricing)
Source new suppliers alongside the Head Chef
Support sustainable and seasonal sourcing initiatives
Cost Control
Monitor overall food cost performance
Support portion costings with senior leadership
Maintain purchasing within agreed budgets
Produce weekly financial and stock reports
Compliance & Storage Standards
Ensure all storage areas are organised, clean, and compliant
Maintain temperature logs and food safety records
Ensure allergen labelling and segregation standards are upheld
Enforce preventative maintenance standards for refrigeration and dry stores
Ensure safe handling of heavy deliveries and hazardous materials
Team Leadership
Supervise goods-in and store personnel
Deliver training on receiving procedures, stock handling, storage standards, and safety protocols
Manage performance within the operational team
Systems & Technical Requirements
Strong computer literacy essential
Experience with inventory and supplier invoicing platforms (experience with Fourth highly desirable)
Experience with rota management software (knowledge of Opysteadvantageous)
What We’re Looking For
Previous experience in a Kitchen Manager, Senior Store Manager, or Food Operations role within a premium restaurant or hospitality environment
Strong organisational and analytical skills
Excellent communication and cross-department collaboration
Commercially aware with a proactive approach to cost control
Detail-driven with high operational standards
Salary & Benefits
£35,000–£40,000 per annum
Tronc (conservative estimate £12,000 per year)
1 staff meal per shift
23 days holiday
Birthday off
Retail discount opportunities
Opportunity to work within a premium Central London hospitality venue