Kitchen Manager

Location: North Yorkshire
Salary: £19 per hour
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)

Role

We are recruiting an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of a large-scale catering kitchen within a secure prison environment.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a busy kitchen operation, leading a team of catering staff and overseeing prisoners working within the kitchen. The role requires strong organisational skills, confident leadership and the ability to ensure meals are delivered safely, consistently and on time.

You'll be responsible for maintaining high standards of food safety, managing stock and ordering, and ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently while meeting the dietary requirements of the prison population.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of a high-volume catering kitchen.

• Lead, manage and support a team of approximately 16 staff.

• Supervise the work of prisoners undertaking kitchen duties.

• Manage stock control, electronic ordering and inventory systems.

• Ensure food supplies are maintained and meals are produced on time.

• Oversee food safety, hygiene, allergen management and dietary requirements.

• Maintain consistent food quality, portion control and service standards.

• Manage staff performance and promote a safe, organised working environment.

• Carry out occasional weekend statutory-level checks.

• Maintain professional boundaries and follow all prison security procedures.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or in a similar senior catering management role.

• Experience managing kitchen teams and high-volume food production.

• Strong knowledge of stock control, ordering and kitchen operations.

• Confident using computer systems for inventory and ordering.

• Good understanding of food safety, allergens and dietary requirements.

• Level 3 Food Safety qualification, or willingness to undertake the required training if agreed with the employer.

• Strong leadership, planning and problem-solving skills.

• Calm, approachable and professional under pressure.

• Comfortable working in a secure prison environment and maintaining clear professional boundaries.

• Reliable transport to the workplace.

Rewards

• £19 per hour.

• Monday–Friday working pattern, 9am–5pm.

• Opportunity to take responsibility for a large-scale kitchen operation.

• Food safety training and development opportunities, including potential progression to Level 4.

• Career development opportunities within a large, established catering organisation.

• Structured working hours, with only occasional weekend checks required.

If you're an experienced kitchen leader looking for a role where you can make a real impact on operational standards, team performance and food quality, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your career.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including members of the Armed Forces community.