Kitchen Manager / Head Chef
Purpose of the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef to lead a talented kitchen team, champion the best of Yorkshire produce and help shape the next stage of Fodder's catering offer. You will take ownership of the day-to-day running of a busy kitchen and support Fodder's takeaway offer. You will create consistently high-quality dishes while ensuring efficiency, strong standards and financial targets are achieved. You will train, motivate and develop the team, helping them share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the outstanding Yorkshire food we serve.
Working Pattern
40 hours per week, working 5 out of 7 operational days. The role offers a positive work-life balance, with Fodder closed on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
About us
Fodder is an award-winning farm shop and cafe celebrating, the very best food and drink from Yorkshire.
Fodder acts as a shop window for local farmers and producers, helping consumers to access local food easily. All the profits from Fodder go to help fund the charitable work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Fodder is well known for its quality and exceptional customer service.
At Fodder, you will be part of a friendly, values-led organisation where your ideas, leadership and standards can make a visible difference every day. This is a role for someone who is passionate about great local food, proud to lead by example and excited by the opportunity to develop people, menus and the customer experience.
Our Proud Values
Professional - we act with integrity, we are reliable, consistent, and honest. We deliver on our promises; we are accountable.
Respectful - we are kind, courteous and considerate; we are mindful of others. We are happy, friendly and create a productive, fun, working environment.
Open-minded - we are receptive to new ideas and innovative ways of working together. We listen to and respect the opinions and perspectives of others.
United - we work together, as a united team. We communicate, collaborate, and share knowledge in pursuit of our common goals.
Dedicated - we are focused, loyal and ready to help each other. We are committed to going the extra-mile to deliver a first-class service to everyone we work with.
Fodder is accredited with Best Companies as a Top 75 Mid sized Employer in the UK, Top 20 UK Best Charitable Employer in the UK, and top 45 Best Regional Employer in Yorkshire & Humber.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day operations of a busy, successful kitchen in a hands-on management role.
Create consistently high-quality dishes that celebrate the best of Yorkshire produce.
Help develop menus that showcase Yorkshire food and actively coach the team to deliver quality, efficient and timely food production.
Ensure the kitchen team operates to consistently high standards, including portion control, presentation, garnishes and food hygiene requirements.
Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen team in line with Society procedures, policies and values.
Achieve financial targets, including sales, pricing, product margin and wage margin, using the EPOS system to review daily and weekly performance.
Support the Catering Manager in maintaining high customer satisfaction and resolving customer feedback or complaints professionally.
Plan and prepare kitchen schedules, ensuring these are kept within budget.
To ensure all health and safety regulations for Fodder are adhered to and followed, including maintaining and updating allergen processes.
Ensure the Fodder HACCP plan is followed, complete all relevant paperwork and play a key part in maintaining a 5-star food hygiene rating.
Be a key holder, opening and locking Fodder as required.
To be a fire warden and first aider for Fodder.
Bring the Society's values to life through the way you lead, communicate and support others.
It is not possible for this document to totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post holder. The outlined duties may therefore vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility.
Experience & Qualifications
Experience in producing consistently top-quality food in a busy kitchen.
Experience of leading, motivating and developing a successful team while running a profitable kitchen.
Good level of written and verbal skills.
Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Software Suite.
Food Safety Level 2 qualification is preferred. First Aid and Fire Marshal training would be advantageous.
Personal Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Polite and approachable.
Focus, thoroughness, and keen attention to detail.
Has a 'can do/will do' attitude.
Excellent planning & organisational skills.
Remains focused when faced with competing demands.
Keeps people informed of progress on key tasks.
Work to tight deadlines.
Accepts new ideas and change initiatives.
Salary and benefits
We offer a competitive package, a supportive working environment and a range of benefits designed to help you feel valued at work and outside of work.
30 days' holiday, including bank holidays
20% discount in our on-site, award-winning Fodder farm shop
50% discount at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre
Two staff social events each year
Pension with 3% employer contribution
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and a GP helpline
Non-contributory life assurance of 4x annual salary
Complimentary Great Yorkshire Show tickets after qualifying period
Free on-site parking
A positive work-life balance
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Closed on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
