Head Kitchen Porter & Kitchen Team Lead

Chartwells Independent; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career development

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Retail discounts

Cinema discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness programs

Job summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a Head Kitchen Porter to lead the Kitchen Porter team and keep the kitchen running safely, efficiently and to high standards.

You’ll lead from the front, coordinate the team with chefs and front-of-house, uphold Food Safety, HACCP and COSHH compliance, manage stock and waste, and drive daily operations to ensure service readiness and smooth day-to-day kitchen performance.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or coordinating a small team.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen hygiene and safety standards.
• Experience managing rotas and staffing.
• Hands-on, proactive leadership style.
• Pride in maintaining spotless standards.
• Food Safety Level 2 and COSHH certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support the Kitchen Porter team.
• Organise rotas, holidays, sickness cover, and daily staffing.
• Train and induct new team members.
• Keep kitchen, wash-up, storage, loading, and waste areas clean and organised.
• Maintain high standards of Food Safety, HACCP, COSHH, and Health & Safety.
• Manage cleaning schedules and deep cleans.
• Order and manage cleaning chemicals, consumables, and equipment.
• Monitor stock and minimise waste.
• Keep COSHH folders and cleaning records up to date.
• Report maintenance and equipment issues promptly.
• Support chefs and front-of-house during busy services and events.
• Help drive recycling, sustainability, and smooth day-to-day kitchen operations.

Skills

Kitchen supervision

Team leadership

Hygiene knowledge

Rota management

Proactive attitude

Lead by example

Education

Food Safety Level 2

COSHH certification

Job description

Restaurant Associates is seeking a Head Kitchen Porter to lead the Kitchen Porter team and keep the kitchen running safely, efficiently and to high standards.

You’ll lead from the front, coordinate the team with chefs and front-of-house, uphold Food Safety, HACCP and COSHH compliance, manage stock and waste, and drive daily operations to ensure service readiness and smooth day-to-day kitchen performance.