Kitchen Team Leader

Urban Playground; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Playground in Manchester seeks a Kitchen Team Leader to support the Head Chef, oversee daily kitchen operations and lead the team during service. The role focuses on maintaining high food quality, safety, cleanliness and efficiency while guiding staff and upholding company standards.

The ideal candidate has experience in a professional kitchen, strong leadership, and a thorough understanding of food safety and high-volume service.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a professional kitchen.
• Previous experience supervising or supporting a kitchen team.
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high-volume kitchen.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead by example and motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen.
• Lead kitchen team during service.
• Ensure recipes, portion sizes and presentation standards are followed.
• Train and develop kitchen staff.
• Monitor kitchen performance and address issues.
• Maintain food safety, cleanliness and records.
• Oversee stock, orders and wastage.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Team supervision

Food safety

Job description

Department: Food & Beverage – Kitchen
Reports to: Head Chef
Responsible for: Kitchen team members during allocated shifts
Job Purpose
The Kitchen Team Leader works directly under the Head Chef, supporting the day-to-day management and operation of the kitchen. The role is responsible for helping the Head Chef maintain high standards of food quality, food safety, cleanliness and kitchen efficiency, while providing hands‑on leadership and guidance to the kitchen team. The Kitchen Team Leader will take responsibility for coordinating the kitchen team during service, ensuring tasks are completed correctly and that all team members follow company procedures and standards. The position is a supporting management role, working alongside the Head Chef to ensure the kitchen operates effectively and consistently.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting the Head Chef

• Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Follow instructions and operational direction provided by the Head Chef.
• Assist with implementing menus, recipes, procedures and kitchen standards.
• Communicate operational issues, staffing concerns and kitchen performance to the Head Chef.
• Assist with training, development and performance management of kitchen team members.
• Help implement improvements to kitchen operations and working practices.
• Take responsibility for leading the kitchen team during allocated shifts or when delegated by the Head Chef.

Team Leadership

• Lead and motivate kitchen team members during service.
• Allocate daily tasks and ensure all sections are adequately covered.
• Ensure team members follow correct preparation and cooking procedures.
• Support new starters with training and development.
• Monitor team performance and address minor operational issues.
• Maintain a positive, professional and productive working environment.

Kitchen Operations & Food Quality

• Oversee food preparation and service standards.
• Ensure all dishes meet Urban Playground’s recipes, portion sizes and presentation standards.
• Maintain efficient service during busy periods and large group bookings.
• Ensure preparation is completed in line with expected bookings and trading levels.
• Monitor food quality and presentation before dishes leave the kitchen.
• Ensure effective communication between kitchen sections and the pass.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Maintain high standards of food safety and kitchen cleanliness.
• Ensure food is labelled, dated, stored and rotated correctly.
• Complete relevant food safety and temperature records.
• Ensure allergen procedures are followed at all times.
• Monitor cleaning schedules and ensure they are completed.
• Challenge poor hygiene and unsafe working practices.

Stock & Cost Control

• Support the Head Chef with stock management and ordering.
• Monitor stock levels and rotation.
• Maintain portion control and minimise food waste.
• Ensure deliveries are checked and stored correctly.
• Report stock shortages, wastage and discrepancies to the Head Chef.

Health & Safety

• Ensure safe working practices are followed.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Ensure equipment is used correctly.
• Report faulty equipment, accidents and potential hazards.

Key Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a professional kitchen.
• Previous experience supervising or supporting a kitchen team.
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high-volume kitchen.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead by example and motivate others.
• Good understanding of food quality, stock rotation and portion control.

Overall Expectations

The Kitchen Team Leader is expected to support the Head Chef in maintaining the standards and performance of the kitchen. They must lead by example, take pride in their work and ensure the kitchen team operates efficiently and professionally. The Kitchen Team Leader must understand that the Head Chef retains overall responsibility for the kitchen and that the Team Leader’s role is to support, implement and uphold the standards and expectations set by the Head Chef.