At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to deliver high-quality meals in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Lancashire Constabulary and make a difference in catering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and access to on-site gyms.
- Other info: Flexible working options and support for health and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Inspire a team while ensuring nutritious meals for officers and staff.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 3 and experience in managing and developing teams.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Lancashire Constabulary is seeking an experienced and motivated Kitchen Team Leader. There is one position available at Blackburn Greenbank and one position available at Hutton Headquarters. The purpose of this role is to oversee the day-to-day operation of our catering facilities, supporting officers, staff, and visitors by ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, safe, and nutritious meals in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
You will lead, motivate, and develop a kitchen team while maintaining excellent standards of hygiene, food safety, and customer service.
Responsibilities- To work from HQ as primary role and cover leave for Kitchen Team Leaders at our DHQ’s as your secondary role
- To support the Catering Services Supervisor with the planning of menus, and ensure sufficient stock levels are maintained in line with the stock control sheets
- Preparation of meals and services at the required times, with agreed methods and portion controls to the agreed performance and qualitative targets
- To ensure that there are sufficient hot and cold food provisions during the service times within the unit
- To lead and inspire catering assistants to maximise performance and wellbeing
- Must hold a Food Hygiene and Safety qualification (level 3)
- Must hold a valid full Manual UK Driving License and be willing to undertake and pass the Constabulary Basic Driver Assessment prior to driving a Constabulary vehicle
- Must possess experience of line management including managing, motivating and developing staff to nurture a highly skilled team
As a condition of appointment, you must undergo and pass Recruitment Vetting (RV). A minimum 3 year UK residency requirement applies for Recruitment vetting, and you must be 18 years old at the point of applying. Successful applicants will also be subject to a medical assessment.
Benefits- 25 - 31 days annual leave (role dependent) plus 8 bank holidays pro rata
- Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions from 5.5% to 12.5% depending on salary
- Sick pay provisions
- Generous maternity / paternity and adoption leave entitlements
- Option to become a member of onsite unions
- Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme
- Access to on-site gyms – HQ
- Cycle to work scheme
- Support from Health and Wellbeing Centre including Welfare Officers, Counselling, Physiotherapy and Mental Health Peer Supporters
- Hybrid / Agile working (role dependent)
Closing date: Friday 10th July 2026 at 10am
S26-203 Kitchen Team Leader (LC5) in Preston employer: Lancashire Constabulary
Lancashire Constabulary is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff. As a Kitchen Team Leader, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to health and wellbeing resources, all while working in a dynamic environment that values high-quality service and teamwork. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee welfare, this role at Blackburn Greenbank or Hutton Headquarters promises a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land S26-203 Kitchen Team Leader (LC5) in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lancashire Constabulary. Understanding their values and mission can help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience in managing kitchen teams and ensuring food safety.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to inspire others will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace S26-203 Kitchen Team Leader (LC5) in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let us see your love for cooking and food safety shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating nutritious meals and leading a team in a busy kitchen.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to know how you motivate and develop your team! Include examples of how you've successfully managed staff in the past, and how you’ve inspired them to achieve their best in a fast-paced environment.
Be Specific About Your Qualifications:Make sure to mention your Food Hygiene and Safety qualification clearly. We’re looking for candidates who meet our requirements, so don’t forget to include any relevant certifications or training that make you a great fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire Constabulary
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Make sure you brush up on your food hygiene and safety knowledge, especially since a level 3 qualification is a must. Be ready to discuss how you maintain high standards in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you developed staff or improved team performance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day operations of a kitchen team leader. Be prepared to talk about menu planning, stock control, and how you ensure timely meal preparation while maintaining quality.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like handling a busy service or resolving a team conflict. Practise your responses so you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to thrive under pressure.
