What are Back-of-House Roles?
Front-of-house, being the meeters and greeters, cocktails shakers and order takers, might be the most visible roles in a pub team, but back-of-house are just as important in creating all-round great customer experiences.
So, what does working back-of-house roles in a pub actually involve? Well, as you might’ve guessed, it’s all about food. It’s important work because, whether you’re a chef or a kitchen manager, the food produced by the back-of-house team is a major part of the customer experience.
Let’s find out a bit more about back-of-house roles so you can see which might appeal to you…
👉What is a kitchen manager?
👉What is a sous chef?
👉What is a kitchen porter?
Greene King Back of House
What is a kitchen manager?
A Kitchen Manager is senior member of the kitchen team responsible for maintaining food quality and hygiene standards, as well as supporting and developing the back-of-house team which may include experienced chefs, apprentices and everything in between. They’ll also work shoulder-to-shoulder with other chefs cooking and sending food orders.
Although Kitchen Managers don’t usually meet customers, they still very much impact on customer experiences. They communicate regularly with the front-of-house team, such as the assistant manager, to make sure everyone is working together for customers.
It’s important to take pride in the food that’s coming out of the kitchen, plus the safety and hygiene standards, but the most critical part is the people—it’s up to the Kitchen Manager to lead and inspire the kitchen to produce excellent food that will delight customers.
Being a Kitchen Manager is a fulfilling leadership role with plenty of opportunity to develop further and build a successful career. To apply and be considered for the position, you’ll need previous experience as either a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or Kitchen Team Leader–or other relevant leadership experience.
What does a chef do?
Yes, they cook. But being a chef involves controlling and rotating stock, ordering from suppliers and, if you want to get creative, a good knowledge of which ingredients are in season. A chef will also be a good team player who can work well with the Head Chef and Kitchen Manager and help create a kitchen environment where everyone can be themselves and be at their best.
On the cooking side, chefs will prepare, cook and assemble dishes, ensuring that ingredients are fresh and great quality and that all work proceeds in line with health and cleanliness standards.
Leading the back-of-house operation is the Head Chef. They’re ultimately responsible for everything that goes on behind the scenes to produce great food. Developing menus, ordering and controlling stock, portion control, waste monitoring and, crucially completing food hygiene paperwork. They’ll also help team members develop their skills and act as a mentor to apprentice chefs.
Head Chef is a diverse and rewarding senior role that often involves as much time away from the kitchen as in it and—at Greene King—it’s a role that anyone with the right determination and staying power can work their way up to.
Greene King Chef
What is a Kitchen Porter?
Kitchen Porters or ‘KPs’ perform several tasks essential to the running of a professional kitchen. Washing up (usually using a machine) and ensuring crockery and cutlery are well stocked. Keeping the kitchen clean and tidy. Helping the chefs with prep jobs and whatever they need to proceed with service. Take Kitchen Porters out of the equation and you’ve not got a kitchen—you’ve got chaos.
So, what skill do you need to be a KP? Well, if you’ve got plenty of energy, love working as part of a team and are reliable (that bit is really important), you’ve got everything you need to get started. The rest you can pick up as you go. And the great thing about being a KP is that you really can learn a lot and, if you want to, quickly work your way up to a cheffing role. There probably aren’t many top chefs around who didn’t start out as a KP so, if you’re looking for a start in kitchen work, there’s no better ‘in’ than being a KP.
Looking for more information? Take a look at our overview about the type of jobs that you can do in a pub.
From Apprenticeships to management, from the north of Scotland to the far west of Cornwall, if you’re looking for a role in a hospitality, the huge range of opportunities that Greene King have are definitely worth a look.👀
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