Head Chef

Kitchen Manager – Ye Olde Windsor Castle, Little Bookham

Salary - £32,000 - £36,000 + Bonus

👨🍳 Ready to lead a kitchen with a great reputation and a fresh sense of momentum?

If you're an experienced Kitchen Manager who takes pride in great food, strong standards and leading a team , we have an exciting opportunity for you at Ye Olde Windsor Castle in Little Bookham, Surrey.

Dating back to the 16th century, this beautiful Grade II listed country pub combines historic charm with a modern, food-led operation. With a 50-cover restaurant , a busy food service and a variety of functions and group bookings, we're looking for someone who can take ownership of the kitchen and continue building on the progress already made.

🍽️ Why Ye Olde Windsor Castle?

Ye Olde Windsor Castle is a proper country pub, full of character, from its exposed wooden beams and open fireplaces to its beautifully maintained beer garden.

Food is at the heart of the business, with a menu built around traditional pub favourites, from classic steaks and pies to fresh Garden Plot Medleys, all focused on delivering great quality to our customers.

The kitchen also has plenty of variety. Alongside our regular food trade, we host wakes, buffets and walking groups , giving you the opportunity to manage different types of service and customer occasions.

The site has recently seen a renewed focus on sales and standards , and we're looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager who can maintain that momentum and continue driving the kitchen forward.

🔥 What’s the opportunity?

As Kitchen Manager, you'll take ownership of the kitchen and play a key role in the continued success of the pub.

You'll

Food service currently runs through the day, with the main food trade operating from around 12pm through to 8pm , extending to around 8:30pm at weekends .

We're looking for someone who can confidently take ownership of the kitchen and make sure the standards customers expect are delivered consistently, every day.

👊 What we’re looking for

We're looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager who

🏡 Live-in accommodation available

For the right candidate, live-in accommodation is available in a room above the pub .

Responsibilities

Lead the kitchen team from the front, setting clear expectations and maintaining high standards.; Take responsibility for the quality, consistency and presentation of every dish leaving the kitchen.; Build on the recent improvements in kitchen standards and sales.; Coach, motivate and develop the kitchen team.; Ensure the kitchen is organised, efficient and ready for every service.; Manage stock takes, ordering, stock rotation and wastage.; Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.; Monitor food costs and GP to ensure the kitchen operates commercially.; Work closely with the General Manager and wider management team to drive the food business.; Plan and deliver different styles of service, including regular pub trade, wakes, buffets and walking groups.; Ensure the kitchen is prepared for busy periods and larger group bookings.; Maintain standards across the 50-cover restaurant.; Bring ideas and experience to help develop the food offer and grow the business.; Lead busy services confidently and remain calm and organised when the pressure is on.

Requirements

Has proven experience managing a kitchen, ideally within a busy pub or similar hospitality environment .; Has strong knowledge of kitchen operations and understands what makes a successful food-led business.; Leads from the front and is comfortable being hands-on during service.; Has strong people-management and communication skills.; Can coach, motivate and develop a kitchen team.; Takes pride in maintaining high food and kitchen standards.; Has excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene and health & safety.; Is confident with stock control, stock takes, rotation and wastage.; Understands food GP and the commercial side of running a kitchen.; Is organised and able to plan effectively for different types of trade.; Is confident managing larger bookings, buffets and group occasions.; Has the experience and maturity to take ownership and drive standards forward.; Wants to make a genuine impact and continue developing their career with Greene King.