Job Title and Grade: Shift Leader, Grade C
Location: Corbett Theatre, Rectory Ln, Loughton, IG10 3RY
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Hours: 38 hours, over 40 weeks, mainly weekdays
Salary: £26,650.29 - £27,343.79
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’re 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.
We believe the team makes the dream work. The “not my job” attitude has no place here. We stand united with one vision—lifting each other through challenges and celebrating success together. We carry each other through tough times, share wins, and grow stronger as one. If you're ready for the challenge, you're ready for Essex Food.
We don’t make mistakes—we learn. Every experience is an opportunity to grow, and every challenge is a chance to improve. There’s no such thing as a stupid question. Curiosity and open communication are the foundations of our learning culture. We encourage questions, ideas, and feedback from everyone because that’s how we get better—together. In a world where you can be anything we start with being nice.
Application closing date: Please note that this vacancy is being advertised on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed weekly, and interviews scheduled on a regular basis whilst the role continues to be advertised.
Purpose of job: To support the Assistant & Deputy Manager in ensuring the smooth operation of the catering outlets
Duties of the Post:
As Shift Leader, you will fulfil all shift requirements by orienting, assisting, and coaching employees. You will ensure all operational standards are met by following production, productivity, quality, and customer service expectations. As a Shift leader, you will monitor operations, , and resolve any operational issues that arise. You are empowered to make decisions on the floor and lead by example. The position is mainly Monday to Friday with the occasional weekend and evening.
1. Customer Service
Organize the catering team, including task allocation and scheduling.
Display leadership and provide team supervision across front and back of house within all Essex Food areas.
Role‑model customer‑focused behaviors to enhance the customer journey.
Solve service challenges confidently and be empowered to make decisions while leading from
the front and motivating the team in a positive and engaging way.
Support recruitment and provide training where needed.
Give constructive feedback to operations managers regarding team members and customers matters.
Delegate tasks effectively to team members.
Provide accurate responses to customer queries, maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of food items and promotions.
Be innovative, bring forward ideas based on customer and team feedback.
Ensure the quality of service and overall service provision, clearly identifying “what good looks like” when food or service falls below standard.
2. Food Preparation
Prepare menu items according to Essex Food recipes and brand standards.
.This includes, but is not limited to, supporting breakfast, lunch, and dinner services; summer school catering; high‑volume canteen service; retail deli‑style café operations; and service within sports venues, as well as delivering a range of street‑food concepts, including outdoor working when required. It also includes delivered catering and preparing and serving food for events and conferences.
Safely operate kitchen equipment such as grills and fryers.
Assemble and package orders quickly, accurately, and consistently.
Spot check food production to ensure all Standards are met to keep continuity and consistency.
3. Cleanliness & Safety
Act as the shift leader responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness across kitchens, dining rooms, service areas, and restrooms.
Take corrective action and support team members where standards are not being met, demonstrating best practice.
Follow all food safety, hygiene, allergen, and security procedures at all times.
Ensure all daily, weekly, and monthly paperwork is completed and maintained in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, including food safety, health and safety, and visual
checks, while meeting all other applicable obligations.
Restock supplies to maintain smooth and efficient service.
Complete and check all required food safety and health & safety paperwork accurately during each shift.
Carry out routine cleaning duties, ensuring the highest level of hygiene and safety.
Understand and follow your responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, applying safe working methods consistently.
Report any maintenance issues, equipment faults, or health and safety concerns promptly.
4. Skills & Qualities
Drive a Friendly, positive, and customer‑focused attitude.
Ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Lead with Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Good Organisational ability, with competence in multitasking and prioritization.
5. Operations
Order stock through designated systems when required.
Ensure ongoing profitability and maintain an awareness of financial matters.
Carry out stock checks and stock take and entry into the necessary software systems. Assist with stock takes.
Produce staff rotas.
Complete end‑of‑day cash‑ups and data entry’s, along with booking off required KPIs.
Work collaboratively with colleagues and managers to achieve operational and service‑level targets.
Attend required training sessions to maintain skills, knowledge, and compliance.
Follow all University procedures and operational methods.
Carry out rubbish runs and porter‑style duties (including washing up) when necessary.
Use initiative, confidence, and problem‑solving skills when interacting with colleagues and
customers.
Be able to travel and support the day‑to‑day operation of all Essex Food units and services, including Loughton East 15 Catering, Southend conferencing and restaurants, and other locations as required.
Teamwork & Culture
Contribute positively to the Essex Food One Team, One Dream ethos.
Support colleagues with a willing, helpful, and proactive attitude.
Demonstrate kindness, respect, and empathy toward all staff and customers.
Other Duties
Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by your operations manager and the Head of services for Catering/Events, the Director of Operations (Professional Services Section), or their nominee.
These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.
Pay: £26,650.29-£27,343.79 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Loughton IG10 3RY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
