Kitchen Team Leader

Whitbread Plc; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality business in Haywards Heath is looking for a Kitchen Team Leader. In this hands-on role, you'll oversee kitchen operations, manage team workflow, and ensure food quality and hygiene. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership skills and experience in kitchen management. This position offers growth opportunities and is perfect for those eager to build a Chef career. Join us to make your mark in the bustling environment of Premier Inn.

Benefits

Training and support

Apprenticeships for all ages

Whitbread Benefits card

Pension and saving schemes

Discounts on various services

Qualifications

• Experience in kitchen management or similar role.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and hygiene standards.
• Strong leadership skills to manage a kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations and team workflow.
• Oversee food ordering and stock control.
• Ensure all food meets quality and hygiene standards.
• Train and support new team members.

Skills

Kitchen management

Team leadership

Food safety compliance

Customer service

Job description

Overview

Join our team at Premier Inn Haywards Heath 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.

Join our team at Premier Inn Haywards Heath 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.

What you'll do

• 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.

We believe that everyone is unique and there should be no barriers to entry and no limits to ambition. We are committed to being an inclusive organisation that values diversity and welcomes your application whatever your background or situation. Under‑represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities & members of the LGBTQIA+ community (those who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans and non‑binary or those who use a different LGBTQIA+ term), are strongly encouraged to build a career with us. Speak to us about workplace adjustments, part‑time and flexible working. Where possible we will support this.

Benefits

• 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.