Hotel Kitchen Team Leader

Whitbread PLC; Southampton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & support

Apprenticeships

Whitbread Benefits card

Pension scheme

Job summary

Whitbread PLC in Southampton West Quay Premier Inn is seeking a Kitchen Team Leader to run the kitchen day to day, manage rotas, place orders, and lead the team through busy services.

You’ll work closely with the Hotel Manager, own food costs, maintain hygiene standards, and mentor junior staff as you build toward senior roles.

This hands-on leadership role offers training, apprenticeships, and benefits within Whitbread’s UK portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Strong understanding of food cost control and inventory management.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a commercial kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Own food ordering, stock control and keeping food costs on track for the entire hotel
• Take the lead during service – organising the team, managing workflow, and ensuring everything runs smoothly
• Prepare, cook, and serve our menu to spec – from legendary Premier Inn breakfasts to pub classics
• Make sure the kitchen always meets health, safety and hygiene standards – keeping the team trained and records up to date
• Step up when needed – running shifts and helping new team members settle in
• Learn the ins and outs of kitchen management so you’re ready to take on more senior roles as you grow your career with us.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Food ordering

Stock control

Health & safety

Job description

Kitchen Team Leader – Southampton West Quay Premier Inn

Join our team at Southampton West Quay Premier Inn as a Kitchen Team Leader and move your Chef career forward. You’ll run the kitchen day to day – managing rotas, placing food orders, leading the team through busy services, and keeping everything audit-ready. Working closely with your Hotel Manager, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen – from food quality to hygiene. It’s a hands‑on leadership role that’s perfect for anyone ready to build the skills to become a Head Chef.

PAY RATE:

Up to £14.31 per hour

HOURS:

40 hours per week

LOCATION:

Southampton West Quay Premier Inn, West Quay, 96 Harbour Parade, Southampton, Southampton, SO15 1BA

Why you’ll love it here:

• Training and support: We’ve got user‑friendly equipment that will make your shift easier from the start and the training that’ll give you a real career path in our kitchens.
• Apprenticeships: We offer them at any age, so learn while you earn and get a nationally‑recognised qualification for your skills.
• Whitbread Benefits card: Enjoy up to 60% off Premier Inn rooms and 25% off meals in Whitbread Restaurants
• Pension and saving schemes: Company pension and save as you earn scheme
• Discounts: Get money off shops, your utility bills, travel, cinema trips, supermarkets and more

What you’ll do:

Join our team at Southampton West Quay Premier Inn as a Kitchen Team Leader and take the next step in your Chef career. You’ll get the keys to our kitchen to grow your team, create our much‑loved meals and make your mark as part of the UK’s leading hospitality business, Whitbread.

• Own food ordering, stock control and keeping food costs on track for the entire hotel
• Take the lead during service – organising the team, managing workflow, and ensuring everything runs smoothly
• Prepare, cook, and serve our menu to spec – from legendary Premier Inn breakfasts to pub classics
• Make sure the kitchen always meets health, safety and hygiene standards – keeping the team trained and records up to date
• Step up when needed – running shifts and helping new team members settle in
• Learn the ins and outs of kitchen management so you’re ready to take on more senior roles as you grow your career with us.