Kitchen manager – Lead Our Busy Seaside Diner Kitchen in Dawlish Warren!
(Full-time leadership role – suited to an experienced chef ready to lead the team and take significant responsibility.)
We're an independent outlet in a popular holiday park in Dawlish Warren, South Devon. We serve high-volume, quick-turnaround food to families and holidaymakers – breakfasts through to late-night bites, hearty classics, burgers, and weekly specials.We're looking for a Kitchen manager to lead the kitchen: guide the team, oversee daily operations, introduce weekly specials, maintain standards, and ensure consistent quality in a fast-paced setting. It's hands-on leadership in a small, practical team – everyone contributes, no egos, and there's real scope to make an impact on food output and team performance.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the kitchen team: direct, motivate, and support staff to deliver efficient, high-quality service across all shifts.
- Oversee prep, cooking, plating, and execution for breakfast rush to late service – focusing on speed, consistency, and volume.
- Develop and introduce weekly specials to add variety, utilise ingredients effectively, and boost guest appeal.
- Uphold high standards of hygiene, food safety, presentation, and cleanliness – leading by example and ensuring compliance.
- Get hands-on during busy periods: work the line, cover where needed, and keep service flowing.
- Handle stock management, supplier coordination, portion control, and wastage to control costs while maintaining quality.
- Train and develop line/sous/junior chefs to improve skills and team reliability.
- Contribute to delivering food that meets guest expectations – reliable, tasty, and fast.
Must-haves:
- Solid experience as Head Chef, Senior Sous, or lead in busy, high-volume kitchens (diner, pub, holiday park, or equivalent fast-paced preferred).
- Food Hygiene Level 2 (or higher; support available for refreshers).
- Right to work in the UK.
- Full flexibility with shifts (early starts, late finishes, weekends – comfortable with demanding hours in peak times).
- Ability to lead under pressure, stay organised, remain calm, and work collaboratively while taking responsibility.
- Practical mindset: reliable, hands-on, focused on results and team delivery.
What we offer:
- Competitive hourly rate: from £14.50 per hour (equivalent to approx. £35,000–£37,000+ per annum based on full-time hours, depending on experience and what you bring).
- Discounted / staff meals on shift.
- Straightforward, supportive team environment – everyone pulls their weight.
- Training support and opportunity to influence specials and kitchen ways of working.
- Potential for extra hours or shifts at our sister site (details at interview).
If you're an experienced Chef who can lead effectively, handle volume, manage the essentials well, and wants to contribute in a no-nonsense setup, apply now.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
