Kitchen Manager, Permanent Contract (Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan)

Job Description – Kitchen Manager

Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Reports To: Catering / Operations Manager
Department: Catering

Salary from £32,000pa

Excellent working hours

Job Purpose

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the effective day‑to‑day management of the kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene, safety, and customer service. The role involves leading and motivating the kitchen team, managing stock and costs, and supporting the delivery of a consistent, high‑quality food offering within a busy garden centre environment.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Manage the daily operation of the kitchen to ensure efficient, smooth service
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and taste
• Ensure menus are delivered accurately and to agreed specifications
• Support menu planning, seasonal changes, and daily specials
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked, stored, and served in line with food safety standards

Team Management

• Lead, supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff
• Allocate duties and manage rotas to ensure sufficient cover at all times
• Conduct inductions, ongoing training, and performance support for team members
• Promote a positive, professional, and team‑focused working environment

Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and company policies
• Maintain accurate food safety records (including HACCP and temperature checks)
• Ensure the kitchen is clean, safe, and well organised at all times
• Act promptly on any hygiene, maintenance, or safety issues

Stock & Cost Control

• Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries, and storage
• Monitor food waste and ensure cost control targets are met
• Work within agreed budgets and support GP and margin targets
• Liaise with suppliers as required

Customer Experience

• Ensure food service supports a positive customer experience
• Respond professionally to customer feedback or queries related to catering
• Work collaboratively with front‑of‑house teams to ensure smooth service

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience in a Kitchen Manager or Senior Sous Chef role
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Good knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety regulations
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends

Desirable

• Experience in a café, restaurant, or garden centre catering environment
• Level 2 (or above) Food Hygiene Certificate
• Experience in stock control, ordering, and cost management

Additional Information

• This is a hands‑on role requiring a practical, proactive approach
• Working hours are aligned with garden centre trading hours
• The role may require standing for long periods and some lifting

All applicants please apply to andy@pughsgardencentre.co.uk & dean@pughsgardencentre.co.uk