Kitchen Shift Leader

University of Surrey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Surrey is seeking a Kitchen Team Leader (Kitchen Shift Leader) to lead a dynamic team on shift, set standards by example, and ensure smooth, safe operations while cooking alongside the team. Drive memorable dining experiences and uphold brand excellence.

You will train and motivate kitchen assistants, manage shifts, and maintain high standards of hygiene and safety in a fast-paced environment, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in large kitchen teams.
• Basic IT and AV knowledge is essential.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Exceptional customer service and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Support, lead and motivate Kitchen Assistants during shifts, to maintain smooth workflow and achieve targets.
• Run shifts efficiently, organizing daily kitchen activities to ensure on-time food prep and service, maintaining standards.
• Deliver friendly and efficient service, ensuring a positive experience for all customers.
• Train new team members on kitchen procedures, hygiene standards, and safe equipment use to maintain high standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and legally compliant kitchen environment per SOPs and policies.

Skills

Kitchen team leadership

Customer service

Problem solving

Health & safety knowledge

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Tools

IT knowledge

AV knowledge

Job description

The role

Step into the heart of our kitchen and lead a dynamic team with energy, clarity, and hands-on support. As Kitchen Team leader (Kitchen Shift Leader), you will help set the standard by example motivating your kitchen assistants and supporting an environment where everyone thrives. From cooking alongside your team, solving day-to-day challenges, and ensuring smooth, safe operations, you`ll keep the kitchen running like clockwork whilst on shift. All while driving memorable dining experiences and upholding brand excellence.

Key Responsibilities

To support, lead and motivate Kitchen Assistants during shifts, to maintain smooth workflow and achieve sales, profits and compliance targets.

To run shifts efficiently, organising daily kitchen activities to ensure food preparation, cooking and service are delivered on time and to standard, ensuring consistent quality and presentation. working unsupervised as required.

To deliver friendly and efficient service, ensuring a positive experience for all customers at all times.

To support and train new team members on kitchen procedures, hygiene standards, and safe equipment use to maintain high operational standards.

To maintain a clean, safe, and legally compliant kitchen environment by following Wetherspoons SOPs, company policies and food hygiene, allergen and safety protocols.

About You

Proven experience working in large kitchen teams.

Basic IT and AV knowledge is essential.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Exceptional customer service and problem-solving abilities.

Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The University of Surrey reserves the right to extend/close this vacancy early based on Volume and Calibre of applications.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.