Head Kitchen Porter

Compass Group UK; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A major food service provider in Leeds is looking for a Head Kitchen Porter to lead the kitchen porter team, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The ideal candidate will be experienced in supervising kitchen staff, strong in communication, and able to handle busy service periods. This role comes with various perks including free meals on duty and personal development opportunities.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Free meals on duty

Personal Development and Training opportunities

Career growth through Career Pathways

Digital GP access

Gym and Health Club discounts

Exclusive discounts on travel and more

Qualifications

• Experienced in leading or supervising a kitchen porter or back-of-house team.
• Passionate about working in a food service environment.
• Consistent in maintaining high standards and following procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead, organise, and motivate the kitchen porter team.
• Maintain the cleanliness of all kitchens and associated working areas.
• Deep clean fridges, ovens, and storerooms.

Skills

Leadership in kitchen environments

Team player

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Familiarity with kitchen safety and hygiene

Experience with kitchen equipment

Tools

Kitchen machinery

Job description

The Royal Armouries & New Dock Hall is the largest dedicated conference, events, and exhibition venue in Leeds. With world-class facilities, we host high-profile conferences, conventions, exhibitions, awards dinners, and corporate events for up to 2,500 delegates — delivering more than 380 national and international events each year.

We’re now looking for an enthusiastic Head Kitchen Porter to join our committed catering team. In this vital hands-on role, you’ll work alongside a passionate and friendly team in a fast-paced environment, ensuring our kitchen areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

In return, you’ll enjoy opportunities to grow within a company that invests in its people, values individuality, and celebrates those who go above and beyond.

Purpose of the role:

As Head Kitchen Porter, you will:

• Lead, organise, and motivate the kitchen porter team to deliver an efficient and effective service
• Maintain the cleanliness of all kitchens and associated working areas
• Ensure all pots, pans, utensils, and crockery are cleaned to the highest standard
• Allocate tasks and monitor performance, providing training and guidance where needed
• Deep clean fridges, ovens, and storerooms to meet sanitation and safety requirements
• Carry out regular stocktakes of cleaning supplies and consumables, ensuring accurate records and timely replenishment
• Work closely with chefs, following instructions and supporting the kitchen team
• Assist with basic food preparation when required
• Transport food and equipment between on-site kitchens and storage areas
• Operate kitchen machinery and equipment safely and correctly
• Comply with Food Handling, Hygiene, and Health & Safety standards at all times
• Represent Compass Group UK&I with professionalism and maintain a positive brand image

Who you are:

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in leading or supervising a kitchen porter or back-of-house team
• Passionate about working in a food service environment
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Able to stay calm and focused during busy service periods
• Friendly, helpful, and polite with colleagues and guests
• Skilled at prioritising tasks and working under pressure
• Consistent in maintaining high standards and following procedures
• Aware of safe manual handling techniques
• Experienced in using kitchen equipment and working in a similar role
• Flexible in approach and willing to adapt to the needs of the business

About Us:

Working with us has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits and development opportunities:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Free meals on duty
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Career growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access to a Digital GP and comprehensive healthcare for you and your immediate family
• Sharebuy scheme
• ‘Be a Star’ recognition award
• ‘Refer a Friend’ scheme
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance scheme
• Gym and Health Club discounts
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• Exclusive discounts on travel, food shopping, cinema tickets and more!

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.