Team leader

Company Description

We are incredibly proud to be growing our partnership with John Lewis to deliver a new brand for their in-store restaurants in 32 of the retailer's stores. This is an incredibly exciting time to reimagine the offering with fresh, quality ingredients which are thoughtfully sourced and rooted in local suppliers.

Are you a visionary hospitality leader ready to shape an iconic partnership at the highest level? We are seeking an exceptional Team Leader to offer the highest standard of service, providing a positive and efficient customer experience by preparing and serving quality food and beverages, whilst ensuring the smooth running of the location.

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and organised Platter Team Leader to join our dynamic hospitality team in John Lewis, Place To Eat in Cheltenham. In this leadership role, you will oversee the platter service area, leading a dedicated team while maintaining our commitment to exceptional customer experiences and operational excellence. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all food safety and health regulations while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment. This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated professional ready to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced food service setting.

• Lead, supervise, and mentor platter team members, providing clear direction and constructive feedback to support their professional development
• Maintain the highest standards of customer experience across all service interactions and ensure consistent quality in food presentation and service delivery
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety compliance, health and safety regulations, and COSHH guidelines at all times
• Organize and oversee delivery operations, including checking delivery notes, verifying inventory accuracy, and reporting any discrepancies promptly
• Conduct daily team briefings, communicate key information, and address team queries with transparency and empathy
• Manage cash handling procedures, operate tills accurately, take customer orders, and serve food and beverages with professionalism
• Take ownership of specific food offerings or service areas, with flexibility to rotate and support other sections as needed
• Assist with table clearing and general service duties while modeling a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit
• Monitor team performance, identify training needs, and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and service quality
• Support the management team with operational decisions and contribute to achieving business goals and targets

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team management experience in a hospitality or food service environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate expectations clearly and listen actively to team members
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to prioritize multiple tasks effectively
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure while maintaining composure and delivering quality results
• Reliable, self-motivated, and proactive approach to work with a positive can-do attitude
• Strong teamwork and collaborative skills with the ability to build inclusive and supportive team dynamics
• Proven conflict resolution and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience with cash handling, till operations, and point-of-sale systems
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, health and safety standards, and legislative compliance requirements
• Mentoring and coaching experience with a commitment to supporting team development and performance improvement
• Assertive decision-making skills combined with empathy and emotional intelligence
• Ability to maintain high standards of customer service while managing operational efficiency
• Food Safety Level 2 certification or equivalent knowledge (preferred)