Shift Leader in Essex

Essex Food – One Team, One Vision, Culture

At Essex Food, we work as one team. We treat each other with kindness and respect, and we committed to empowering every team member. We listen, support, and believe in our people—giving them the confidence and autonomy to make decisions.

Our aim is to help each individual grow into the best version of themselves, which in turn delivers the best value to our customers. Together, we learn what great food service looks like—with no exceptions—and we support one another wherever we can, turning good into excellence.

Duties of the Role

Leading the engine room of our food and service culture. At Essex Food, Shift Leaders are key to our success. You are the engine room of each service, setting the tone, maintaining standards, and leading the team to deliver great food and outstanding customer experiences.

This role is ideal for someone ready to step up, take ownership of shifts, and lead with positivity, while continuing to learn and grow within a supportive, values‑led team.

What You’ll Be Known For

Running shifts confidently, making real‑time decisions to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient service Leading and motivating a positive, united team where everyone feels respected and supported Leading by example — working hands‑on with the team during busy services.

Ensuring recipes, training programmes, food safety, and operational standards are followed at all times.

Coaching and developing crew members through on‑the‑job support, mentoring, and clear communication.

Encouraging ideas from the team and turning feedback into action.

Supporting and delivering new concepts and service styles as part of the Essex Food team Delivering excellent customer experiences while balancing quality, pace, and commercial performance.

Skills and qualifications required

About You

You a confident and approachable leader with a genuine passion for food and people. You understand that strong shifts are built on clear leadership, teamwork, and trust. You bring enthusiasm, structure, and accountability — while never losing sight of the human side of leadership.

You also bring: Experience working in a catering or hospitality environment (leadership experience preferred, but we will support your development).

The ability to lead a team during service, make decisions, and solve problems calmly.

Strong communication skills and a positive, can‑do attitude.

A collaborative, inclusive leadership style that brings the best out of others.

We will continue to train and develop you to confidently manage high‑volume catering operations, strengthening both your leadership and operational skills.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.