As we continue to scale, we're looking for an exceptional Kitchen Supervisor to help lead our kitchen operation. This is a hands‑on leadership role at the heart of the business, responsible for ensuring our kitchen team operates safely, efficiently and to the highest standards every day. A key focus of this role will be overseeing the daily food preparation and cooking processes, while managing our team of chefs and kitchen porters. You'll be responsible for managing production flow, signing off batch quality, and maintaining the exceptional culinary and hygiene standards that our customers expect. You'll play a key role in driving performance, developing people, improving processes and holding the kitchen team accountable. Working closely with the Production Manager, you'll help ensure that every component leaving our kitchen reflects the standards and values that have fuelled Planthood's growth so far. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical function within a rapidly growing food business and help shape the future of our kitchen operation.,
- Create a positive, engaged, high-performing, and accountable kitchen team culture.
- Lead daily team briefings and debriefings, assigning clear stations, individual tasks, and time expectations.
- Train and onboard new chefs and KPs, supporting their development and success.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, coaching sessions, and performance conversations, managing team performance in real time.
- Manage kitchen staffing levels, rotas, holidays and shift changes to ensure operational requirements are met., Drive the daily production flow on the kitchen floor by sequencing tasks strategically, coordinating closely with the packing, warehouse and procurement teams to prevent bottlenecks and keep output steady.
- Adjust production flow in real time, reallocating kitchen staff effectively to manage short-staffing scenarios and minimize idle time.
- Step into production stations and demonstrate strong Chef de Partie (CDP) skills when required to maintain operational speed.
- Support the day-to-day management of operations and deputise for the Production Managers when required.
- Draft the weekly kitchen production schedule and set the daily production plan, dynamically factoring in variables like equipment availability, delivery delays, and staffing levels.
- Procure fresh ingredients for the next production day using systems like Rekki.
- Ensure KPIs and quality standards are consistently achieved.
- Monitor team performance and productivity, identifying opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency and workflow.
- Maintain accurate kitchen records, strong reports, and operational documentation.
- Maintain a direct and vital line of communication with the Production Manager(s) by providing high-quality, comprehensive reports and structured end-of-day handovers.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the kitchen floor.
Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure food safety, allergen, hygiene and HACCP standards are followed at all times.
- Support quality control processes and ensure all required checks are completed accurately.
- Promote a strong health and safety culture throughout the kitchen operation.
- Support audits, risk assessments and compliance activities, including SALSA accreditation.
- Help maintain the high standards our customers expect from every Planthood delivery.
Stock & Equipment
- Support stock control, stock rotation and waste reduction initiatives.
- Monitor equipment performance and report maintenance issues promptly.
- Help ensure production machinery is operated safely and efficiently.
Are you looking for a new role in an exciting, fast‑growing company? Do you enjoy leading teams, solving problems and making sure things run smoothly in a fast‑paced environment? Do you want to help transform the health of people and the planet through food?,
- Strong culinary expertise: Minimum Chef de Partie (CDP) level experience with a strong palate, refined taste‑testing skills, and a deep understanding of complex flavor profiles.
- Mastery of cooking processes: Excellent knowledge of high‑volume cooking methods, precise recipe scaling, ingredient behavior, and yield optimization.
- Technical kitchen capability: Solid technical capability operating heavy kitchen equipment (e.g., bratt pans, large industrial boiling pots, blast chillers) and light kitchen machinery.
- Production management skills: Excellent production sequencing abilities, knowing how to balance output speed with premium product quality.
- Supervisor experience:
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Production Kitchen Supervisor - Planthood - London employer: Chef & Cook
Join our vibrant café in London, where we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture. As a Key Holder & All-Round Café Pro, you'll enjoy flexible shifts, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to develop your skills in a fast-paced environment while delivering exceptional service to our valued customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Kitchen Supervisor - Planthood - London
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Chef & Cook, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Chef & Cook specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chef & Cook
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Chef & Cook, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Chef & Cook value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.