Kitchen Manager / Pizza Chef – Kildare VillageRole Overview
The Kitchen Manager / Pizza Chef is responsible for leading the Kildare Village kitchen day to day, setting standards, managing people, and ensuring Mani's food quality, consistency, and speed of service are delivered at all times.
This role is hands-on. You will run the kitchen, manage labour and food costs, train and develop the team, and work closely with the Store Manager, Group GM, and Head Chef to maintain Mani standards and improve performance.
Key ResponsibilitiesKitchen Leadership & Daily Operations
* Lead the kitchen team during prep and service, setting the pace and standard.
* Plan daily production including dough schedules, toppings, prep lists, and service flow.
* Ensure pizzas are baked, sliced, and served to Mani quality standards at all times.
* Maintain speed of service during peak periods without compromising quality.
* Oversee cleaning routines, closing checks, and kitchen organisation.
Food Quality, Consistency & SOPs
* Follow and enforce Mani recipes and SOPs across dough, toppings, baking, and service.
* Maintain dough quality through correct fermentation, balling, storage, and handling.
* Ensure portion control and topping consistency on every slice.
* Prevent waste through correct prep, storage, and rotation.
* Never allow raw or substandard product to be served.
Food Cost, Waste & Stock Control
* Control food costs by following portioning, yield, and prep guidelines.
* Record waste daily and use data to reduce losses.
* Manage stock levels, ordering, and rotation (FIFO).
* Complete regular stock checks and report variances.
* Work with management to keep wage and food percentages on target.
People Management & Training
* Train kitchen staff on dough handling, ovens, toppings, hygiene, and service flow.
* Support new starters and develop existing team members.
* Lead by example — calm, organised, and professional at all times.
* Communicate clearly with FOH and management during service.
* Maintain a positive, respectful kitchen culture.
Hygiene, Safety & Compliance
* Ensure HACCP, allergen, and food safety procedures are followed daily.
* Maintain high cleaning standards across all equipment and work areas.
* Report and follow up on maintenance or equipment issues promptly.
* Ensure the kitchen is audit-ready at all times.
Communication & Structure
* Work closely with the Store Manager on daily operations.
* Communicate kitchen matters through the correct chain of command.
* Engage with the Head Chef for support, training, and standards.
* Provide clear handovers and updates to management.
Hours & Contract
* Full-time, permanent role
* Expected average: 39–42 hours per week
* On-site, Kildare Village
Pay & Benefits
* From €19 per hour (depending on experience)
* Bike to Work scheme
* Company pension
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Staff discount
* Gym membership
* Sick pay
Who This Role Suits
This role is ideal for an experienced pizza chef who:
* Enjoys leading a kitchen, not just cooking
* Cares deeply about consistency and standards
* Understands food cost and labour control
* Wants to grow within a strong, expanding food business
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €35,000.00-€40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person