Kitchen Manager

Job Description

Gladwell’s is looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead the day-to-day running of our café kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards, excellent food quality, and oversee a well-trained, confident team.

Our café sits within a neighbourhood deli that brings together a cafe, deli, butcher, greengrocer, bakery, fishmonger, wine merchant and cheesemonger under one roof. This role is ideal for a chef who takes pride in quality, organisation, structure, and consistency, while also having the ability to contribute ideas to menu development and seasonal specials.

The kitchen operates a counter-led café model focused on well-executed, carefully prepared food, made fresh each morning, rather than a restaurant style service. We are looking for someone who can maintain strong systems, develop a team, and deliver reliable quality every day.

You’ll lead a small team, working closely with the shop and our in-house butcher to make the most of excellent seasonal produce, while ensuring smooth, efficient daily operations.

No late nights — this is a kitchen leadership role with sociable daytime hours.

Job Requirements

The Opportunity

This role is well suited to a chef who:

• Values quality, consistency, and strong kitchen standards
• Enjoys training, mentoring, and developing a small team
• Takes pride in organisation and efficient kitchen systems
• Likes working closely with trusted suppliers and great produce
• Can contribute to menu development ideas and specials, balancing creativity with consistent execution

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the café kitchen
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation across all dishes
• Train, support, and develop a small kitchen team
• Set clear standards and maintain strong working practices
• Work closely with shop departments and suppliers to maximise ingredient quality
• Develop seasonal dishes and rotating menu specials in line with available produce
• Manage ordering, stock control, and waste reduction
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, and organisational standards
• Keep the kitchen a calm, efficient and welcoming place to work

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 2 years’ experience managing a kitchen team
• Strong cooking foundations with a focus on consistency and standards
• Experience in a quality café, deli, or restaurant kitchen
• Confident leadership and team development skills
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Passion for working with high-quality ingredients and reputable suppliers
• Ability to contribute to seasonal menu ideas and recipe development
• Solid understanding of HACCP and food safety (Level 3 preferred)

Job Location

Gladwell's
2 Camberwell Church St
London SE5 8QU