Kitchen Team Leader

Premier Inn; Penenden Heath; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established hospitality brand in Maidstone is seeking a Kitchen Team Leader to oversee kitchen operations and lead the team. This role requires strong leadership skills and a passion for food, with responsibilities including managing orders, ensuring quality and hygiene, and training team members. Ideal candidates will be ready to advance their careers with a focus on kitchen management and food preparation. The position involves working 40 hours per week with a pay rate up to £13.81 per hour.

Benefits

Training and support

Apprenticeships available

Whitbread Benefits card

Pension and saving schemes

Discounts on various services

Qualifications

• Experience in a kitchen leadership role is preferred.
• Understanding of food budgeting and cost control.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Oversee food quality and hygiene standards.
• Prepare and serve food according to specifications.
• Lead the kitchen team through busy service.

Skills

Team leadership

Kitchen management

Food hygiene

Job description

We're currently recruiting in our Maidstone Town Centre Premier Inn.

Working 40 hours per week, paying up to £13.81 per hour.

Kitchen Team Leader – Maidstone Town Centre Premier Inn

Join our team at Premier Inn Maidstone Town Centre 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 £13.81 per hour

HOURS

40 hours per week across 5 days - evenings and weekends included

LOCATION

Premier Inn Maidstone Town Centre
5-11 London Road, Maidstone, ME16 8HR

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% případě 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 Arom

What you’ll do

Join our team at Premier Inn Maidstone Town Centre as a Kitchen Team Leader and take the next kwets 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.