Location: Velvet Taco – Broadgate Circle London
Reports To: Kitchen Manager / General Manager
Department: Back of House (BOH / FOH )
Employment Type: Full-Time
Role Summary
The Kitchen Manager at Velvet Taco plays a key leadership role within the kitchen, and FOH supporting the Management in delivering exceptional food quality, maintaining high safety standards, and ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently at all times. This role requires strong culinary skills, people leadership, and an ability to perform under pressure in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities1. Kitchen Operations & Food Quality
- Prepare, cook, and present Velvet Taco menu items to brand standards.
- Ensure consistency in portion control, flavour, and presentation.
- Lead service during busy periods, ensuring smooth operations and timely execution.
- Maintain correct labelling, storage, rotation (FIFO), and organisation of all food products.
2. Team Leadership & Training
- Supervise BOH staff alongside the Management, ensuring team momentum and productivity.
- Train new cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen assistants on Velvet Taco standards and recipes.
- Support staff development through coaching, performance feedback, and skills improvement.
- Set the example in professionalism, punctuality, cleanliness, and work ethic.
3. Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with UK food hygiene laws (Food Hygiene Regulations 2013 & HACCP requirements).
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness across all kitchen stations and equipment.
- Conduct daily food safety checks (temperatures, storage, rotation, cleaning schedules).
- Ensure allergen procedures are followed correctly and consistently.
4. Inventory, Ordering & Cost Control
- Assist with stock ordering, deliveries, and inventory management.
- Monitor waste levels and implement initiatives to reduce waste.
- Support the Head Chef in meeting food cost targets and achieving GP objectives.
- Ensure correct portioning and recipe compliance to control COGS.
5. People Management & Culture
- Promote a positive, energetic, and collaborative kitchen culture aligned with Velvet Taco’s brand values.
- Help manage BOH staff schedules and shift plans in line with labour targets.
- Act as the senior kitchen lead when the Head Chef is off-site or on leave.
- Maintain open communication between BOH and FOH to ensure a seamless guest experience.
6. Health & Safety
- Ensure compliance with workplace health & safety regulations.
- Maintain proper use and care of kitchen equipment.
- Manage accident reporting and risk assessments as needed.
- Support a safe working environment for all BOH team members.
Experience & Skills RequiredEssential
- Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a high-volume kitchen environment.
- Strong culinary skills with the ability to lead a team.
- Excellent understanding of HACCP, allergens, and UK food safety requirements.
- Ability to handle pressure, remain organised, and deliver consistently.
- Confidence in managing a kitchen independently when required.
- Effective communication and leadership skills.
Desirable
- Experience working within a branded QSR group or high-energy concept.
- Knowledge of fresh fusion cuisine.
- Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3 certification.
- Experience with stock control, ordering, and cost management.
Key Attributes
- Passionate about food quality and innovation.
- Hands-on, proactive, and solutions focused.
- Motivated by high standards and fast-paced environments.
- Team player with strong leadership presence.
- Reliable, organised, and committed to operational excellence.
What Velvet Taco Offers
- Competitive salary and performance incentives.
- Career progression within a growing international brand.
- Ongoing culinary and leadership training.
- A fun, dynamic working environment
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £15.00-£16.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
