Job Description:

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager Huntingdon

Looking for a kitchen leadership role that doesn’t take over your evenings? This could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

A well-established Garden Centre Café in Huntingdon is seeking a hands-on Kitchen Manager to lead a friendly kitchen team in a busy, daytime-only operation. Perfect for an experienced Sous Chef or Senior Chef ready to step into management without sacrificing work-life balance.

What’s on offer:

• 40-hour working week
• Daytime-only operation
• Shifts scheduled between 8 am and 16:30
• Straight shifts only – no late finishes or split shifts
• Alternate weekends are typically required
• Free staff parking on site
• Uniform provided
• Company pension scheme
• 30% staff discount
• Up to £35k salary
• Sick pay included

The Role:

You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, working closely with a small team. This is a very hands-on role where you’ll lead service, maintain standards, manage stock, and ensure smooth kitchen operations throughout the day.

We’re looking for a great kitchen leader who can confidently lead the team through busy periods, communicate clearly, and set expectations so everyone knows what is required.

You’ll also be a mentor and team builder, with the ability to train and support existing team members and recruit and onboard new team members when needed.

The right person will see challenges as opportunities to improve rather than problems to avoid. You’ll be proactive, positive and not afraid to take action when something needs addressing.

A strong understanding of food costs is also essential, including ordering, wastage control and prep planning. You’ll be confident identifying areas where costs can be improved and implementing practical actions when needed.

The café is part of a successful garden centre group known for welcoming hospitality, freshly prepared food, homemade baked goods, and a loyal customer base who return regularly for breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, Team Leader or above
• Strong leadership, organisational and kitchen management skills
• Experience leading a team through busy services
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to set clear expectations
• A natural mentoring approach with the confidence to train and develop team members
• Experience recruiting and onboarding new kitchen staff
• Knowledge of ordering, stock control, food safety and food cost management
• An understanding of wastage, prep planning and portion control
• A proactive approach to solving challenges and improving kitchen performance
• A positive, team-focused attitude and passion for quality food
• The confidence to implement changes and take action when required

If you’re ready for a fresh opportunity with better hours, genuine leadership responsibility and a fantastic work environment, apply now to learn more about this Kitchen Manager position in Huntingdon