At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate the kitchen team while ensuring top-notch food quality and service.
- Company: Join the vibrant University of St Andrews Students’ Association, a hub for student life.
- Benefits: Gain valuable leadership experience in a dynamic, student-led environment.
- Other info: Embrace inclusivity and diversity in a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences while honing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Your Union The University of St Andrews Students’ Association (aka Your Union) sits at the heart of the Campus - recently voted as one of the leading Universities in the UK, ranked first in the UK by the Guardian and Times/Sunday Times and with a reputation to protect.
With over 11,000 members we are the primary student venue in St Andrews and support a thriving student scene with over 140 affiliated societies.
We are a dynamic, student-led organisation dedicated to enhancing the student experience for every student in St Andrews.
We provide a wide range of services, including events, campaigns, societies, support, and representation.
Our mission is to empower students, support their development, and create a vibrant campus culture.
Role Overview To support, lead and motivate the team to meet sales, profit and compliance targets.
To run kitchen shifts independently and ensure delivery of excellent customer service, food to specification, and a clean, safe and legal working environment in line with company standards.
Key Responsibilities Operational Management
- Run kitchen shifts independently, overseeing day-to-day operations.
- Ensure kitchen opening and closing procedures are followed.
- Adopt a “stand back and look” approach to maintain standards throughout the shift.
- Ensure all kitchen areas are correctly presented and maintained.
- Food Quality & Service
- Prepare, cook and present food to company specification.
- Deliver food within required service time targets.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, quality, service, maintenance and atmosphere (CQSMA).
- Respond to customer feedback positively and take appropriate action.
- Standards & Compliance
- Maintain a clean, safe and legal workplace at all times.
- Ensure adherence to SOPs, food safety, and company policies.
- Record accidents, incidents, and serious food complaints correctly.
- Support achievement and maintenance of five-star food hygiene standards.
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Support delivery of kitchen sales and profit targets.
- Work with the Kitchen Manager to forecast sales and manage costs.
- Assist in managing profit and loss performance and maximising sales opportunities.
- Monitor portion control and stock levels.
- Complete stock checks, wastage logs, and investigate discrepancies.
- Support management of stock holdings and minimise shrinkage.
- Complete manager’s own stock (MOS) and implement improvements Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead, motivate and coach the kitchen team during shifts
- Delegate tasks effectively and provide constructive feedback
- Support recruitment, inductions, and training of team
- Assist with probation reviews and performance management
- Manage day-to-day performance and attendance issues
- Support rota planning aligned with sales and labour targets Systems & Administration
- Maintain kitchen documentation and training materials
- Ensure administration is completed in line with GDPR and company
- Use operational systems including kitchen screen, stock, and personnel systems
- Keep up to date with operational updates, action packs, and Maintenance & Facilities
- Monitor and manage kitchen maintenance issues
- Liaise with contractors and support resolution of issues Financial Responsibilities
- Support achievement of kitchen financial targets
- Control stock, portioning, and wastage
- Assist with ordering and stock management
- Contribute to cost control and efficiency improvements Key Outcomes
- Well-run kitchen shifts with consistent operational standards
- High-quality food delivered within service targets
- Strong team performance and engagement during shifts
- Compliance with food safety and legal requirements
- Contribution to overall kitchen financial performance Person Specification Expected Behaviours
- Demonstrates leadership and accountability on shift
- Strong organisation and time management
- Communicates clearly and works effectively with others
- Remains calm in a fast-paced environment
- Professional, reliable, and committed Essential
- Experience working in a kitchen or hospitality environment
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to lead and supervise a team
- Understanding of food safety and compliance standards
- Basic IT and systems knowledge Desirable
- Previous supervisory experience in a kitchen environment
- Exposure to stock control and kitchen financial processes
- Participation in management or leadership training Organisational Values
- A commitment to put students at the heart of everything that the Students’ Association does.
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and an ability to turn this commitment into real change for under-represented groups.
- A commitment to a positive workplace culture which is friendly, approachable and open to listening.
- Commitment to operational excellence.
- Focus on teamwork and collaboration.
- Dedication to customer experience and service quality.
Inclusivity and Accessibility The University of St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to promoting diversity and equality for all and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
While successful candidates will always be recruited on merit, we particularly aim to include applicants with disabilities, from BAME backgrounds, and those with diverse sexualities or marginalised gender identities.
Contact Details:
St Andrews Students Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Shift Manager
✨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 St Andrews Students Association. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to St Andrews Students Association
Don't be shy about reaching out to St Andrews Students Association 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 Kitchen Shift Manager
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 St Andrews Students Association 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 St Andrews Students Association
✨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!
