Kitchen Team Leader — Lead Service & Grow Your Chef Career

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

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.