Assistant Kitchen Manager
Libby's Bread & Wine – Marple Bridge
Salary: £31,200 - £33,800 per year
About Us
Libby's Bread & Wine is an established café, bakery and wine bar in the heart of Marple Bridge, known for its artisan breads, seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients and carefully curated wine selection. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality food with a premium yet relaxed service style in a warm and welcoming environment.
We're entering an exciting new chapter, continuing to strengthen our kitchen operation with a focus on structure, consistency, quality and long-term development.
The Opportunity
We're looking for an ambitious Assistant Kitchen Manager to join our leadership team.
This is more than just an assistant role. Our current Kitchen Manager will be transitioning into an Operations role by the end of the year, and we're looking for someone who can work alongside them, learn every aspect of the position, and ultimately step into the Kitchen Manager role.
This is a genuine progression opportunity for a strong Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef or existing Assistant Kitchen Manager who is ready to take the next step in their career.
You'll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of kitchen management, from team leadership and service standards to stock control, labour management, food safety and kitchen performance.
Our Opening Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 8am – 4pm
Thursday – Saturday: 8am – 10pm
Sunday: 9am – 3pm
This role offers a better work-life balance than many traditional restaurant kitchens while maintaining the standards and pace of a quality-led operation.
The Role
As Assistant Kitchen Manager, you'll work closely with the current Kitchen Manager to help oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
You'll be expected to take on increasing responsibility as you develop, with a clear pathway into the Kitchen Manager position.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Kitchen Manager in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Lead and motivate the kitchen team during service.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
- Assist with stock control, ordering, supplier management and waste reduction.
- Support rota planning and labour control.
- Ensure food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards are consistently met.
- Help train, develop and mentor junior team members.
- Drive a positive, professional and supportive kitchen culture.
- Take ownership of kitchen operations in the Kitchen Manager's absence.
- Develop the skills and knowledge required to progress into the Kitchen Manager role.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines strong cooking skills with leadership potential and a desire to progress.
You'll ideally have:
- Experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Assistant Kitchen Manager.
- A passion for fresh, seasonal food and quality ingredients.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- The ability to lead calmly and effectively during busy services.
- Experience supporting stock control, ordering and kitchen administration.
- A good understanding of food safety, compliance and kitchen systems.
- Ambition to develop into a full Kitchen Manager position.
- A positive attitude and commitment to building a strong team culture.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- A clearly defined pathway to Kitchen Manager.
- Direct mentoring and development from the current Kitchen Manager.
- A key leadership role within a growing independent business.
- More sociable hours than many traditional restaurant environments.
- Staff discounts across our café, bakery and wine offering.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free or discounted meals on shift.
- Genuine opportunities for long-term progression within the business.
Why Join Libby's?
At Libby's, we're building more than just a kitchen team – we're building careers.
We're a growing independent business that believes great hospitality starts with great people. We invest in our team, promote from within wherever possible, and create clear opportunities for progression.
As our Assistant Kitchen Manager, you'll have the unique opportunity to work directly alongside our current Kitchen Manager and develop into the role yourself as they transition into an Operations position.
In return, you'll benefit from:
- A clear pathway to Kitchen Manager within the business.
- Direct mentoring and leadership development.
- A quality-focused environment using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- More sociable hours than many traditional restaurant kitchens.
- A supportive and professional team culture.
- The opportunity to have a genuine impact on how the kitchen develops.
- Long-term career opportunities as the business continues to grow.
If you're ambitious, committed, and ready for the next step in your career, we'll provide the platform and support to help you get there.
How to Apply
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and want the opportunity to progress into a Kitchen Manager role, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send your CV along with a short note telling us about your experience and why you're interested in joining Libby's.
Join a business that values quality, consistency, development and hospitality done properly.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits
- Discounted gym membership
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Experience
- Professional kitchen experience: 5 years (required)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £31,200.00-£33,800.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Experience:
- Kitchen experience: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
