Head Chef / Kitchen Manager

New Forest Area

Up to £38,000 (DOE)

40 hours per week | Permanent

Lead the Kitchen. Shape the Menu. Inspire the Team.

We’re on the lookout for a passionate Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to take the reins of a busy, high-volume kitchen in a stunning countryside holiday destination.

This isn’t your typical volume catering role — you’ll have genuine creative freedom to design dishes, influence menus, and bring fresh, from-scratch cooking to life.

If you’re a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves delivering exceptional food experiences, this could be your perfect next move.

? What You’ll Be Doing

As Kitchen Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the operation — leading your team, driving standards, and ensuring every dish delights guests.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and inspiring the kitchen team day-to-day
• Overseeing all Back of House operations
• Ensuring consistently high food quality and presentation
• Managing stock, food costs, and margins effectively
• Recruiting, developing, and motivating your team
• Working closely with Front of House to deliver a seamless guest experience
• Driving compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
• Creating seasonal specials and contributing to menu development

What We’re Looking For

We’re searching for a strong, motivated leader with a real passion for food and people.

You’ll ideally have:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene (Level 3 preferred)
• Experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager in a fast-paced environment
• Strong financial awareness and experience managing KPIs
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A passion for fresh food and great customer experiences
• Resilience and a positive, can-do attitude

Experience within hospitality, leisure, or holiday parks is a bonus — but not essential.

The Perks

• Competitive salary up to £38,000
• Bonus scheme
• Pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Enhanced family benefits
• Employee discounts platform
• Discounts on holidays and on-site facilities
• Recognition and reward programmes
• On-site accommodation available (subject to availability)

The Lifestyle

This role is based in a vibrant holiday environment, so flexibility is key — including weekends and bank holidays. In return, you’ll enjoy a unique, energetic workplace where no two days are the same.

Our Culture

We’re proud to be a people-first organisation that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and individuality. We believe the best teams are built on different perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas — and we encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Ready to Take the Lead?

If you’re ready to step into a role where you can truly make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your culinary career.