Food Growing jobs in Bournemouth

Kitchen Manager – Loco Lime, Dolphin Centre, Poole

£30,000–£34,000 per year depending on experience | Full-time | Dolphin Centre, Poole

We’re looking for a hands-on Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen team at Loco Lime in Poole’s Dolphin Centre and take ownership of the day-to-day operation.

Loco Lime is a fast-growing, chef-led Mexican-inspired street food brand. Our menu includes birria tacos, burritos, quesadillas, rice bowls, loaded fries and nachos, using freshly prepared ingredients, slow-cooked meats and bold sauces.

Our food is served quickly, but it is made properly, with strong standards around preparation, consistency, cleanliness and service.

This is a hands-on management role at an established restaurant. You’ll be responsible for maintaining and improving kitchen standards, organisation and team culture while leading preparation, service and close-down.

You’ll manage stock, ordering, food safety, labour, rotas, training, food costs and the general performance of the kitchen, while working alongside the team during busy services.

The role would suit an experienced Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor or strong Senior Chef who is ready to take ownership of a site and grow with an expanding brand.

What You’ll Get

• £30,000–£34,000 per year depending on experience
• Full-time position
• Free staff meals during shifts
• Staff discounts
• Company pension
• Full training on the Loco Lime menu and operating systems
• Direct support from the founders and senior management team
• The opportunity to lead an established restaurant and make a real impact on its performance
• Real progression as Loco Lime opens additional locations
• The potential to progress into future multi-site or operational leadership roles
• Company events and additional leave benefits

The Role

As Kitchen Manager, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen at our Dolphin Centre restaurant in Poole.

You’ll work closely with the founders and senior team to ensure the kitchen is organised, food is consistently prepared to specification, stock and costs are controlled, and the team is trained and supported.

You’ll be expected to lead from the front. Alongside your management responsibilities, you’ll be involved in preparation, service, cleaning and close-down, particularly during busy periods.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the kitchen team during preparation and service, covering in-store orders, Deliveroo and events
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen
• Maintain food quality, presentation, portioning and consistency
• Organise preparation levels according to anticipated sales
• Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries and supplier communication
• Monitor wastage, portion control and food costs against company targets
• Prepare and manage rotas in line with labour budgets and business needs
• Train, support and develop chefs and kitchen team members
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, allergen management and cleanliness
• Complete kitchen records, checks and compliance documentation
• Ensure equipment, sections and storage areas are properly maintained
• Lead calm, organised and efficient services during busy periods
• Help recruit and train new team members as required
• Build a positive, accountable and supportive kitchen culture
• Work with the founders and senior team to improve standards, systems and site performance

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in a busy kitchen or high-volume food operation
• Experience managing a kitchen, shift, section or small team
• A strong chef background and good practical cooking skills
• Confidence leading from the front during busy services
• A clean, organised and hands-on approach
• A good understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergen management
• Experience with stock control, ordering and wastage management
• Some understanding of food costs, labour costs and kitchen budgets
• Strong communication and team-management skills
• Reliability, maturity and pride in your work
• The ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure
• Availability to work evenings and weekends
• The existing right to work in the UK

Experience cooking Mexican food is not required. We’ll provide full training on our menu, recipes, kitchen systems, ordering processes and operational standards.

What matters most is leadership, organisation, consistency, cleanliness, cost awareness and attitude.

Interviews are taking place now, so apply today to join the Loco Lime team at the Dolphin Centre.

Due to the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond to everyone, but we appreciate your interest in joining Loco Lime.

Pay: £30,000.00-£34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Profit sharing
• Store discount

Experience:

• Management : 2 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person