Nights Prep Team Leader

Compass Group UK; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free breakfast and lunch on shift

Free on-site parking

Convenient public transport links

Perks at Work discounts

Job summary

Cuisine Centre, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Derby, is seeking a Preparation Team Leader for the night shift to lead the night prep team, ensure ingredients are prepared to build guides, and maintain GMP and food safety.

You will work 22:00–06:30 on a 4 on/4 off pattern, 40 hours per week, with a £1 night uplift. Strong team leadership and attention to detail are essential; experience in food production is preferred.

Qualifications

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Proficient IT skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Flexible, proactive and reliable.
• Positive, can-do attitude and strong team player.

Responsibilities

• Lead the night preparation team to complete daily production plans.
• Ensure ingredients are prepared, weighed, mixed, and packed according to build guides.
• Maintain GMP, quality, food safety, and hygiene standards.
• Ensure full product traceability through documentation, date coding and FIFO.
• Maintain inventory and material usage records.
• Support waste reduction by correct waste handling and disposal.

Skills

Literacy & numeracy

IT skills

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

Organisational skills

Time management

Flexible & reliable

Team leadership

Food hygiene knowledge

Tools

GMP knowledge

Job description

Preparation Team Leader (Night Shift)

SmartParc SEGRO, Derby, UK

Hourly Pay Rate: £17.25

About the Role

Working a 4 on, 4 off night shift pattern, you will lead the preparation team to ensure all ingredients and components are prepared accurately and ready for production. You'll be responsible for achieving operational targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, hygiene, and product traceability.

Working Hours

40 hours per week

4 on, 4 off shift pattern: 22:00 - 06:30

Flexibility and occasional overtime required to meet operational demands.

£1 per hour night shift uplift.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the night preparation team to complete daily production plans.


• Ensure ingredients are prepared, weighed, mixed, and packed in line with product build guides.


• Maintain compliance with GMP, quality, food safety, and hygiene standards.


• Ensure full product traceability through accurate documentation, date coding, and FIFO.


• Maintain accurate inventory and material usage records.


• Support waste reduction by following correct waste handling and disposal procedures.


• Complete and sign off production and cleaning documentation accurately.


• Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing Health & Safety, COSHH, and PPE requirements.


• Lead, support, and motivate the night shift team to achieve operational targets.


• Report quality, stock, or production issues promptly to the Production Manager.


• Work collaboratively across departments and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.


• Provide cover for the Production Manager during holidays and meetings when required.

Key Skills & Experience

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.


• Proficient IT skills.


• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.


• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.


• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.


• Flexible, proactive, and reliable.


• Positive, \"can-do\" attitude and strong team player.


• Previous experience leading or supervising a team.


• Knowledge of food hygiene and quality standards.

About Cuisine Centre

As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Cuisine Centre is the food production arm of the UK's largest contract catering business. We prepare millions of quality meals each year across our five meal ranges, serving customers nationwide across a variety of sectors.

Our people are the secret ingredient to our success. We invest in your development, creating opportunities to build your career while delivering fresh, flavour-first food.

Our Four Core Values

• Be a Foodist! - We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence.


• Do the Right Thing - We act with integrity and honesty.


• Take Responsibility - We take ownership of our actions and their impact.


• Have Respect & Compassion - We put our people at the centre of everything we do.

If you're looking for a role in a growing food production business, where your work feels as good as it tastes, we'd love to hear from you.

Your Benefits

£1 per hour night shift uplift.

• Free breakfast and lunch on shift.


• Free on-site parking.


• Convenient public transport links.


• Perks at Work - discounts, rewards, and wellbeing support.


• Career development and progression opportunities.


• \"Pride in Every Plate\" recognition scheme.


• Company pension scheme.


• Free Employee Assistance Programme.


• Access to our employee networks across Compass Group UK&I to help create an inclusive workplace.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme


• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes


• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits


• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more


• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more


• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster


• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands


• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes


• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/1307/43172001/52820010/SU #Cuisine Centre

Equality & Diversity Statement

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!