Location: Okehampton
Salary: £16.25 p/h midweek | £17.05 p/h weekends | Increased rates once fully trained
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time | Approx. 37.5–45 hours per week | Includes weekends & shift work
Venue Type: Resort Hotel | High-Volume Buffet Operation | Mass Catering Environment
Kitchen Shift Leader – High-Volume Resort Catering | Okehampton
Are you an experienced chef ready to take the next step into a leadership role within a busy, fast-paced catering operation where teamwork, reliability, and communication matter just as much as cooking ability?
This leading UK resort operation in Okehampton is looking for a strong Kitchen Shift Leader to support and lead its established kitchen team within a large-scale buffet catering environment.
Catering for 300+ guests daily across a full-board hotel operation, this role is ideal for chefs with previous buffet or mass-catering experience who can work quickly, lead positively, and maintain high standards under pressure.
Working as part of a close-knit and supportive team, you’ll play a key role in helping deliver a smooth, efficient, and high-quality food service operation.
About the Role
As Kitchen Shift Leader, you’ll learn and oversee all kitchen stations, including Breakfast Chef, Buffet Prep, KP, and Lead Shift responsibilities.
You’ll supervise kitchen staff during service while helping deliver large-scale buffet meals efficiently and consistently.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who leads respectfully, communicates well, and understands how important team culture is within a busy kitchen environment.
The business is looking for someone seeking a stable, long-term opportunity — not a short-term stop-gap.
What’s in It for You?
- Pay starting from £16.25 p/h midweek & £17.05 p/h weekends
- Increased pay once fully trained and operational
- Weekly pay
- Permanent full-time opportunity
- Potential on-site accommodation available
- Free meals during shifts
- Free uniform provided
- Free parking onsite
- Company pension scheme
- Discounted gym, sports & golf membership
- Death in Service benefit available
- Join a growing hospitality business investing heavily in refurbishment and development
Accommodation Available
- Single en-suite rooms available (£60 per week including bills)
- Double en-suite rooms available for couples (£50 each per week including bills)
- Communal lounge, kitchen, and laundry facilities
- Well-maintained staff accommodation onsite
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise kitchen teams of 2–6 staff
- Cook large-scale buffet dishes including pasta, meat, vegetarian, and hot buffet items
- Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering
- Maintain high food hygiene and health & safety standards
- Support smooth service during busy occupancy periods
- Help maintain a positive and respectful kitchen culture
- Work across multiple kitchen sections as required
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a hardworking, reliable chef with strong communication skills and previous experience within busy catering environments.
You’ll be someone who leads by example, works well under pressure, and understands how important respectful communication and teamwork are within hospitality operations.
Previous buffet or mass-catering experience is highly desirable.
What You’ll Need
- Previous chef experience essential
- Mass catering or buffet experience preferred
- Ability to lead and motivate a small kitchen team
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Fast and efficient working style
- Flexible approach to shifts and weekends
- Excellent reliability and work ethic
- Long-term mindset and commitment
Why This Role?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established resort operation during an exciting period of growth and investment.
You’ll join a supportive team environment where hard work is recognised, development is encouraged, and long-term stability is genuinely valued.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re an experienced chef looking for a long-term leadership opportunity within a busy high-volume kitchen, apply today.
If you are a member of the Armed Forces Community, including ex-military personnel, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, or military spouses/partners, please indicate this in your application.
Alternatively, you may email your CV directly to info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk, stating the role you are applying for and outlining your connection to the Armed Forces.
INDCH