Job Description – Food & Beverage Team LeaderAbout the RoleReporting to the Head of Deer Barn, we are looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on Food & Beverage Team Leader to support the delivery of our food and beverage operation.The role will be based primarily within the Deer Barn, supporting restaurant, bar and hospitality service, while forming part of our wider Food & Beverage team. You will therefore be expected to work flexibly across the Farm's food and beverage outlets when required by the needs of the business.This is a practical leadership role for someone who enjoys being part of service, leading from the front and helping a team deliver consistently high standards.As Food & Beverage Team Leader, you will support the Head of Deer Barn with the smooth running of shifts, team deployment, guest service, food and beverage standards, stock control, opening and closing procedures and compliance.You will be expected to confidently take responsibility for the operation during designated shifts, make sound operational decisions and ensure the team understands what is expected of them.This is an hourly paid role, typically averaging approximately 35–40 hours per week across the year. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, working hours will vary, with higher hours during peak trading periods and reduced hours during quieter, off-peak periods. (dependent on experience).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Food & Beverage team during designated shifts, ensuring consistently high standards of service.
- Support the Head of Deer Barn with the day-to-day running of food, beverage, restaurant and bar operations.
- Take responsibility for the smooth running of shifts when required.
- Lead by example, remaining visible and actively involved in service.
- Complete pre-shift team briefings, allocate duties and set clear expectations.
- Monitor staffing and deployment throughout service, adapting where required to reflect business levels.
- Support, coach and motivate team members throughout their shifts.
- Deliver excellent guest service and deal confidently and professionally with guest enquiries, requests and complaints.
- Ensure food and beverage service is delivered efficiently, accurately and to the required standard.
- Maintain high standards of restaurant, bar and customer-facing presentation.
- Support the preparation and delivery of weddings, functions, celebrations and other hospitality activity where required.
- Drive food and beverage sales through strong product knowledge, recommendations and appropriate upselling.
- Assist with stock ordering, deliveries, stock rotation, stock control and stock counts.
- Minimise waste, over-portioning, stock loss and unnecessary costs.
- Ensure all till, payment and transaction procedures are followed correctly within our cashless operation.
- Carry out and oversee beer line cleaning in accordance with company procedures.
- Complete opening and closing procedures and ensure relevant areas are left clean, organised and secure.
- Ensure all food safety, allergen, licensing, health & safety and company procedures are consistently followed.
- Ensure required checks, records and operational paperwork are completed accurately and on time.
- Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout all Food & Beverage areas.
- Support the induction and training of new team members.
- Provide ongoing coaching and constructive feedback to team members.
- Identify and escalate performance, conduct, safety or operational concerns to the appropriate manager.
- Work collaboratively with kitchen, management and other departments to ensure a joined-up operation.
- Support the wider Food & Beverage operation across the Farm when required, including working in or supporting other outlets during busy periods, seasonal trading and operational peaks.
- Carry out any other reasonable Food & Beverage duties required to support the successful operation of the business.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience within hospitality, food and beverage, restaurant or bar operations.
- Ideally has previous supervisory or Team Leader experience.
- Is confident leading and motivating a team during busy service periods.
- Leads from the front and is willing to work alongside the team.
- Remains calm, organised and solutions-focused under pressure.
- Has strong customer service skills and genuinely cares about the guest experience.
- Has high standards and excellent attention to detail.
- Is confident making day-to-day operational decisions when leading a shift.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with team members, managers and guests.
- Understands the importance of controlling labour, stock, waste and other operating costs.
- Is comfortable working across restaurant, bar and wider Food & Beverage operations.
- Is adaptable and willing to work across different Food & Beverage outlets when required.
- Takes responsibility and follows through on tasks.
- Has a positive, proactive and hands-on approach.
- Is flexible and able to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.
- A Personal Licence is desirable but not essential.
Measuring Success
Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
- Consistently high levels of guest satisfaction.
- Smooth and well-organised shift management.
- High standards of food, beverage and customer service.
- A motivated, well-deployed and productive team.
- Effective labour management in line with business levels.
- Strong stock control and minimal unnecessary waste or loss.
- Consistent compliance with food safety, allergen, licensing and health & safety requirements.
- Accurate completion of required operational checks and records.
- Clean, organised and well-presented Food & Beverage areas.
- Effective communication with the Head of Deer Barn and wider F&B management team.
- A flexible and collaborative approach to supporting the wider Farm Food & Beverage operation.
Working Hours
This is an hourly paid role, typically averaging approximately 35–40 hours per week across the year.As a seasonal business, working hours will vary considerably throughout the year. Team Leaders should expect to work higher hours during peak trading periods and fewer hours during quieter, off-peak periods.The role will primarily support the Deer Barn operation but will also include working across other Food & Beverage areas of the Farm when required.Working patterns will vary and may include:
- Daytime shifts
- Early starts
- Evening shifts
- Weekend working
- Bank Holiday working
- Late finishes, particularly during weddings, functions and busy trading periods
Flexibility is essential, with working patterns and hours determined by business demand, seasonal trading and operational requirements.
Benefits
As part of our team, you'll enjoy:
- Competitive hourly pay dependent on experience.
- Holiday entitlement/pay in accordance with your contract.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential support for you and your family.
- A varied working environment across a diverse Food & Beverage operation.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Experience across restaurant, bar, hospitality and high-volume visitor attraction Food & Beverage operations.
- Opportunities to learn from an experienced management team.
- Genuine opportunities to develop and progress within the wider Food & Beverage operation.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to become an important part of a diverse and fast-moving Food & Beverage operation.You won't be confined to one style of hospitality. Our team operates across restaurant and bar service, weddings and functions, seasonal trading and busy Farm Food & Beverage outlets.We are looking for someone who wants responsibility, enjoys leading people and is prepared to get involved.You'll work closely with the Head of Deer Barn and the wider Food & Beverage management team, developing your operational and leadership skills while helping us deliver consistently high standards for our guests.If you're passionate about hospitality, comfortable taking responsibility and believe great Team Leaders should lead from the front, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £12.71-£15.80 per hour
Work Location: In person
