Kitchen Manager

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Kitchen Manager to join our dynamic social
mobility charity which exists to remove the barriers that prevent children and young people
having meaningful access to the natural world. Through a week on one of our three heritage
farms, Nethercott House in Devon, Lower Treginnis in Pembrokeshire, and Wick Court in
Gloucestershire, children and young people experience increased learning and engagement,
improved connections and wellbeing, and leave us with an enhanced sense of environmental
citizenship. 

Visiting children are immersed in the natural world of countryside through a food
and farming offer that allows them to participate in the seasonal tasks of the day: sowing,
growing and harvesting in our kitchen gardens; caring for livestock and looking after the land;
and cooking up a home-grown feast in the farmhouse kitchen. In partnership with our commercial
farming neighbours, children experience the benefits of collaboration, enjoy plenty of physical
activity, good food, and fresh air, and discover the magical rural environment that is full of
new words, sounds and experiences to inspire their creativity. Spending time working alongside
real farmers fosters children’s independence and helps them to grow in confidence, develops
their self-esteem, and encourages them to become more resilient.

About the Role

Passionate about nutrition, provenance and seasonal produce, this senior role is central to the
efficient running of a busy kitchen providing three nutritious meals each day to a large
residential accommodation for groups of up to 40 children and accompanying adults. As an
important part of the house team, the person in this role will work closely with the Farm
School Manager, Office Manager, Kitchen Assistants and General Assistants to ensure the needs
of resident groups are met and that the highest standards of nutrition, food quality, food
hygiene and health and safety are maintained.

As a working farm, with an extensive kitchen garden operation, the Kitchen Manager plays a
critically important role in the wider management of the site, working very closely with the
Farm Operations Team to ensure we make the most of opportunities to rear, grow and use our own
produce, making the links between food and farming explicit to our visiting groups.

This role will have regular and direct contact with our visiting children and adults, including
developing delivering cooking sessions for groups of children which inspire and engage, but
also connect with their experience of working on the farm or in the garden. There is also a key
role in welcoming them upon arrival, supporting their induction into the house and maintaining
a warm and friendly relationship throughout their stay. We pride ourselves on being able to
cater for a full range of dietary needs and cultural differences.

This position is a farm-based role which will require only very occasional travel within the
Charity’s regions in order to attend training or meetings, normally at one of our farms in
Devon and Pembrokeshire.

Appointments will not be confirmed until the Charity has received two satisfactory professional
references, evidence of the existing proof of right to work in the UK. Referees will not be
contacted without candidates’ prior consent.

Farms for City Children is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates will be subject to a Social Media check and a DBS check at the
appropriate level. Employment with the charity is conditional upon the charity being satisfied
with the result of the DBS Check. Successful candidates will be asked to complete a
self-declaration related to their criminal record or any information that would make them
unsuitable to work with children. If you have lived or worked outside of the UK, additional
information may be required from you to satisfy safer recruitment checks. Any criminal records
information that is disclosed to the charity will be handled in accordance with any guidance
and/or code of practice published by the DBS.

Farms for City Children is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity and
supports and encourages under-represented groups. We seek people from a wide range of
backgrounds, with diverse lived experience, and we welcome applications from all sections of
the community.

What we Offer

In return you will receive a starting salary of £28,222 and a range of benefits, which include:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• 6% employer contribution to NEST pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

Deadline for applications is Sunday 18th August
2024

Interviews: Wednesday 28th August 2024

We are unable to accept just cover letters and CVs.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE – DIRECT RECRUITMENT ONLY