Team Leader, Food Service

About the Role

As a Catering Assistant Team Leader, you will oversee the running of the catering operation across Bracknell Campus and support a team of Catering Assistants. You will work alongside the catering management team to deliver an exceptional dining experience for all who use the facility and help create a culture of development and inclusion within the catering team.

Salary: £28,400 - £38,600
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full time, Mon-Fri 07:00-15:00 (with on call Duty Manager rota approximately every 6 weeks, covering Bank Holidays and festive periods). Night premium of £4.25 per hour applies to any time worked between 22:00 and 06:00. On call duties begin after a successful three month probation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a busy catering brigade to deliver market leading customer service. You will act as a "Critical Friend," challenging poor performance and mentoring your team to achieve their best.
• Ensure the seamless delivery of the Partner Dining Room and function services, maintaining impeccable standards of product presentation and cleanliness.
• Drive sales and manage food and sundry costs. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and greater efficiency within the catering operation.
• Take ownership of catering administration, including stock control, wastage recording and staffing requirements to ensure a profitable and efficient section.
• Supervise and deliver all due diligence checks, ensuring 100% compliance with Waitrose Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies at all times.
• Take accountability for the wider site during on call periods, responding to operational needs outside of standard catering hours.

Benefits of the Role

• Full Chef Whites and safety shoes provided.
• Free meals whilst on duty.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum one year of supervisory experience in catering teams or kitchen brigades.
• Experience working with all food types and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Strong commercial awareness of sales, stock and wastage management to protect the bottom line.
• Leadership qualities: ability to lead by example, foster trust and remain flexible to support other departments.
• IT literacy: proficient computer skills for administrative tasks and ordering systems.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Food Safety Level 3 (Intermediate) qualification (training provided within the first 3 months if not already held).
• Experience working in a high pressure, customer facing selling or service environment.
• Previous experience in a dedicated administration or logistics function.

Additional Information

Location: Bracknell Campus, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA

Closing Date: 1 July 2026