Culinary Operations Manager

JOIN THE CLAYS TEAM

Welcome to Clays, where we offer an unparalleled indoor clay shooting experience combined with a vibrant cocktail bar atmosphere. Our innovative approach to British clay target shooting makes the activity enjoyable, secure, and accessible for all. As we grow both locally and internationally, we are eager to share our passion for British culture and competitive entertainment with a wider audience. Whether you are looking for an exhilarating outing with friends or a dynamic evening with coworkers, Clays is the ideal venue for thrilling and enjoyable experiences.

At Clays, we are committed to fostering the growth of our team as we expand our brand. We provide numerous opportunities for personal advancement and exceptional training. Our workforce is a lively blend of independent thinkers dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests. If you are in search of a workplace that prioritizes integrity, enjoyment, and collaboration, Clays could be the right fit for you.

We take pride in being recognized as a Great Place to Work, which underscores our dedication to cultivating a fantastic work environment. But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what our team members have to say:

"You can truly be yourself here. The company values character and a willingness to learn over prior experience. They provide all the necessary training, and your growth is entirely in your hands."

"From the very beginning, the collaborative and supportive culture at Clays has been evident. The onboarding process and ongoing training demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee development."

"Learning from mistakes is encouraged here, and no one is criticized for making them. We support one another, which is a rarity in many workplaces."

OUR CORE VALUES

At Clays, our venues are designed for everyone, and so is our workplace. We believe that to effectively serve our diverse clientele, we must first celebrate and nurture diversity within our team. This is why we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture. Varied perspectives ignite creativity and drive innovation. If you are passionate about making a positive difference, we would love to hear from you.

We are in search of an individual who embodies our Clays values. That’s why we have framed them as key questions that guide our operations:

• SAFE - Is it safe? For our team, our guests, the business, and our partners.
• EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE - Are we providing an exceptional experience? We aim to bring fun, excitement, wonder, and joy, striving to surprise, delight, and exceed expectations.
• SUSTAINABLE - Is it sustainable? We aim to create a positive, lasting impact on our world, our team, our guests, and our industry. We focus on creating strong impressions and enduring memories, continuously evolving to offer something new.

POSITION OVERVIEW

What’s the role about?

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new establishment and play a pivotal role in setting up the kitchen operations and infrastructure. As the Culinary Operations Manager, you will collaborate with the General Manager to ensure seamless planning, recruitment, and execution for this new Clays venue. You will work alongside the Clays Group Culinary Director to implement the Clays service system and develop the standards for the location and the team.

In this position, you will be responsible for the operational success and daily delivery of outstanding culinary experiences for our guests. You will ensure the kitchen is prepared for success and maintains a strong alignment with our company values and food and beverage strategy.

In this role, you will lead a team of approximately 7 culinary professionals and work closely with the leadership team and our culinary director to drive colleague development, ensuring the company meets its succession planning goals through the Clayers Academy.

We are looking for a motivated and highly experienced Culinary Operations Manager who has a background in high-volume operational environments. You will be a dynamic thinker with a passion for people, both guests and colleagues.

The ideal candidate will have a proven history of delivering the highest food and beverage standards and possess exceptional attention to detail. Strong communication skills and the ability to inspire a team to deliver are essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Your role will encompass, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

Operational Oversight:

• Manage daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Implement Clays standard operating procedures for kitchen staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and utensils, ensuring they are in optimal working condition.
• Plan and execute the menu in alignment with Clays food and beverage strategy.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of quality ingredients.

Team Development:

• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive work environment.
• Ensure performance reviews are conducted effectively in accordance with company policy.
• Schedule and manage kitchen staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage.
• Promote Clays behaviors and effective communication within the kitchen and with front-of-house staff.
• Support colleague development through ongoing training via Clayers Academy.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Provide high-quality daily meals for kitchen staff.

Guest Satisfaction:

• Ensure that all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standard.
• Monitor guest feedback and make necessary adjustments in service to ensure satisfaction.
• Address and resolve any guest complaints or issues promptly and effectively.
• Maintain a focus on delivering exceptional culinary experiences for all guests.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the kitchen budget, including labor and food costs.
• Monitor and control food inventory, minimizing waste and managing stock levels.
• Analyze financial reports to identify areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure the best prices for quality ingredients.
• Ensure adherence to budgetary constraints and financial targets.
• Implement cost control measures without compromising quality.

Marketing and Promotion:

• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and promote special menus and events.
• Assist in creating content for promotional materials, including social media.
• Participate in marketing initiatives to enhance the visibility and reputation of Clays.
• Accountable for the execution of Clays key seasonal events.
• Act as a brand ambassador, maintaining the culinary reputation of Clays.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate records of kitchen operations, including inventory logs and financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Manage kitchen documentation, including recipes, training materials, and safety procedures.
• Oversee food safety and hygiene audits.
• Identify local suppliers in line with our food and beverage strategy.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Food Hygiene Level 3
• Health and Safety Level 3
• 3 years of experience in a similar role is desirable.
• Always seeking opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills.
• Passionate about hospitality and creating exceptional experiences.
• A keen eye for detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build lasting relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Honest with strong moral principles.
• Proactive, able to solve problems calmly, and work well under pressure.
• A mentor and proven high-performing people manager with a track record of developing talent.

WHAT WE OFFER

We value our colleagues highly and want everyone to feel appreciated.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

• Competitive Salary: A base salary with performance-related bonuses.
• Holiday: Generous holiday allocation, increasing with length of service.
• Colleague Discounts: Enjoy significant discounts during off-peak and peak periods.
• Paid Breaks: We ensure you are compensated for your breaks.
• Health Care Cash Plan: Access to reclaimable appointments and treatments.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement through our online learning platform.
• Celebration Day: An additional paid day off each year for personal celebrations.
• Parental Leave: Generous policies for maternity, adoption, and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance: Access to a support service and counseling sessions.
• Volunteer Day: A paid day off annually to contribute to your community.
• Birthday Gift: A special gift to celebrate your birthday.
• Pension Scheme: Join our pension scheme with contributions from the company.
• Recognition and Incentives: Enjoy team recognition and rewards through our programs.
• Hospitality Discounts: Access exclusive discounts through our rewards program.
• Meals Provided: Complimentary meals for colleagues during operational shifts.

We are proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work, reflecting our commitment to creating an outstanding work environment.

Join us in being part of a growing brand and an exciting journey with excellent training opportunities and investment in your personal development.