At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and ensure top-notch dining experiences.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, and full chef whites provided.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Supervisory experience in catering and a passion for hospitality required.
As a Catering Assistant Team Leader, you'll help oversee the running of the multiple location catering operation across Bracknell Campus and support a team of Catering Assistants. You'll work alongside the catering management team to deliver an exceptional dining experience for all those using the facility and help create a culture of development and inclusion for the rest of the catering team.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £4.25 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Salary: £28,400 - £38,600
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Mon–Fri, 07:00–15:00. Includes an on-call Duty Manager rota approximately every 6 weeks (Fri evening–Mon morning), covering Bank Holidays and festive periods. On-call duties begin after a successful three-month probation.
Location: Bracknell - Head Office Campus
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Leading and supervising 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.
- Service Excellence: Ensuring the seamless delivery of the Partner Dining Room and function services, maintaining impeccable standards of product presentation and cleanliness.
- Commercial Management: Driving sales and managing food and sundry costs. You will identify opportunities for continuous improvement and greater efficiency within the catering operation.
- Administrative Oversight: Taking ownership of catering admin, including stock control, wastage recording, and staffing requirements to ensure a profitable and efficient section.
- Compliance & Risk: Supervising and delivering all due diligence checks. You will ensure 100% compliance with Waitrose Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies at all times.
- Duty Management: Taking accountability for the wider site during your rota’d on-call periods, responding to operational needs outside of standard catering hours.
Benefits of the Role
- Full Chef Whites and Safety shoes included for the role
- Free meals whilst on duty
Essential Skills/Experience You’ll Need
- Supervisory Experience: A minimum of one year’s experience in supervising catering teams or kitchen brigades.
- Food Expertise: Experience working with all food types and a genuine passion for hospitality.
- Commercial Awareness: A strong understanding of how to manage sales, stock, and wastage to protect the bottom line.
- Leadership Qualities: The ability to lead by example, foster trust within a team, and remain flexible to support other departments when required.
- IT Literacy: Proficient computer skills to manage administrative tasks and ordering systems.
Desirable Skills/Experience You May Have
- A Food Safety Level 3 (Intermediate) qualification. (Note: Full training will be 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.
Closing Date: July 1, 2026
Pay: £28,400.00 - £38,600.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Mon - Fri 07:00-15:00
Job Level: Partnership Level 9
Where You'll Be Working: Bracknell Campus, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Team Leader, Food Service in Bracknell employer: Jlp Insights & Media Website
Join a thriving team at our Bracknell Campus, where as a Team Leader in Food Service, you'll not only oversee a dynamic catering operation but also foster a culture of development and inclusion. Enjoy competitive pay, free meals while on duty, and the opportunity to grow within the largest employee-owned business in the UK, all while contributing to an exceptional dining experience for our Partners.
Contact Details:
Jlp Insights & Media Website Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader, Food Service in Bracknell
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Jlp Insights & Media Website. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Jlp Insights & Media Website
Don't be shy about reaching out to Jlp Insights & Media Website directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader, Food Service in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Jlp Insights & Media Website and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jlp Insights & Media Website
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
