The Residence Bar & Kitchen is an established, upscale casual dining venue located in the heart of Milton Keynes. We specialise in seasonal dining experiences with a contemporary menu featuring sharing boards, small plates, mains, and desserts. Our establishment is known for exceptional food quality, professional service, and creating memorable dining experiences for customers ranging from intimate dinners to large corporate events and private parties.
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Kitchen Manager Wanted for an Independent Bar & Kitchen!
Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: The Residence Bar and Kitchen, 2 Rillaton Walk, The Hub MK, Milton Keynes, MK9 2BQ
Salary: £33,500 – £35,000 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage all daily kitchen operations, including workflow coordination across multiple stations (preparation, cooking, plating, and desserts)
- Lead and supervise kitchen staff, including chefs, commis chefs, and kitchen assistants, ensuring efficient and safe working practices
- Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment and coordinating maintenance and repairs
- Manage food inventory, ordering, and stock rotation to minimise waste and ensure ingredient freshness across our seasonal menu items
- Implement and enforce food safety protocols, HACCP procedures, and allergen management procedures with full compliance with Food Safety Regulations
- Support menu development and food innovation initiatives, working with chefs to test recipes and improve food quality and consistency
- Coordinate with front-of-house staff regarding dietary requirements, allergies, special customer requests, and special event catering
- Monitor food quality and consistency across all menu items, addressing any issues and implementing corrective actions
- Manage staff performance, conduct training sessions, and provide development feedback to kitchen team members
- Liaise with restaurant management on operational issues, customer feedback, and continuous improvement opportunities
Skills needed for the Job
- Leadership and Team Management – ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse kitchen team in a fast-paced environment
- Food Safety and Compliance – comprehensive knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP systems, allergen management, and Environmental Health requirements
- Kitchen Operations Management – expertise in managing kitchen workflows, equipment, inventory, and resources efficiently
- Culinary Knowledge – solid understanding of cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and menu items to effectively manage kitchen operations
- Customer Focus – understanding of customer needs and commitment to delivering excellent food quality and service standards
Qualification needed for the Job
- Level 2 Food Safety in Catering certificate (or equivalent qualification)
- NVQ Level 2 in Culinary Arts or professional cookery qualification (or equivalent demonstrated competency)
- Any other hospitality degrees with relevant experience may be considered
Experience needed for the Job
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a professional kitchen environment (at least 1 year in a supervisory or management capacity)
- Experience working in high-volume hospitality establishments with diverse menu offerings
- Experience with allergen management and dietary requirement accommodations
Closing Date for Applications
Closing Date: 20 August 2026
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
Completed CV with detailed employment history
Cover letter explaining your interest in the role and relevant experience
Copies of relevant qualifications (food safety certificate, culinary qualifications)
Proof of Right to Work in the United Kingdom
Applications should be sent to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: "Kitchen Manager Application"
Pay: £33,500.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
