Job Introduction
Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Glyndebourne, East Sussex
Salary: £33,000 per annum + tronc
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week
As the Kitchen Manager at Glyndebourne Dining, you will play a vital operational role within this prestigious cultural venue, ensuring that all kitchen processes run smoothly, efficiently, and financially sound. Working as part of Restaurant Associates Venues (Compass Group), you will oversee stock management, food ordering, goods receipting, and day-to-day cost control across multi-outlet operations during the world-renowned Glyndebourne Festival and year-round events.
This role is ideal for a highly organised, detail-focused kitchen professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes ownership of kitchen administration, stock systems, and cost controls while supporting the wider culinary team.
Responsibilities:
Stock Control & Cost Management
- Lead all stock management processes across multiple kitchens
- Conduct accurate monthly stock takes and support weekly spot checks
- Monitor usage, wastage, and variance, taking proactive steps to reduce loss
- Support the Head Chef in achieving GP and waste reduction targets
- Maintain clean, organised, and compliant dry stores, fridges, and freezers
Food Ordering & Supplier Management
- Manage all food ordering using approved suppliers and systems
- Forecast stock levels based on business volume and seasonal requirements
- Ensure orders are placed accurately, on time, and in line with budget
Goods Receipting & Compliance
- Oversee goods-in processes, ensuring accurate delivery checks
- Verify weights, quality, temperatures, and invoice accuracy before receipt
- Accurately process goods receipting on internal systems
- Flag discrepancies and follow up with suppliers to resolve issues
Operational Excellence
- Support the Head Chef in ensuring consistent food quality and presentation
- Assist in menu implementation, recipe compliance, and daily production planning
- Maintain full adherence to food safety, allergen laws, and company procedures
Team Support & Communication
- Work closely with chefs, front-of-house teams, venue management, and RA support teams
- Ensure the kitchen team understand stock, ordering, and cost procedures
- Support smooth service during peak periods with hands-on leadership
The Ideal Candidate:
- Experience as a Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Chef de Partie with strong admin/stock skills. Please note this is not a Chef role – Chef experience desirable
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Strong understanding of food costs, GP, stock rotation, and waste control
- Confident with ordering systems, goods receipting, and supplier communication
- Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and compliance processes
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and stock/ordering platforms
- Calm, positive, and adaptable during fast-paced periods, especially festival season
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Passionate about food quality, efficiency, and operational excellence
What We Offer:
- Free meals on shift
- Free onsite car parking
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes
- Access to a Digital GP for you and your family
- Travel discounts with leading brands
- Savings on supermarket shopping
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Cashback rewards and retail discounts
- Free wellbeing, mindfulness, and exercise classes
- Discounts shared with friends and family
About Us:
Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates Venues delivers exceptional hospitality experiences across iconic cultural and heritage destinations. At Glyndebourne, our mission is to support world-class performances with outstanding food and service throughout the festival season and beyond.
Compass Group champions an inclusive culture where every colleague feels valued, supported, and able to thrive—because diversity is our strength.