What is it like working as a Kitchen Team Leader at M&B?

Thinking about becoming a Kitchen Team Leader? Discover what the role involves, the skills you'll use every day, career progression opportunities and why a Kitchen Team Leader role at M&B could be your next step in hospitality.

If you love leading a busy kitchen, supporting your team and serving up great food, a Kitchen Team Leader role could be the perfect next move in your hospitality career.

At M&B, one minute you're helping prep for a busy lunch service, the next you're coaching a team member, checking food quality or jumping onto the line during the dinner rush. It's fast-paced, rewarding and full of opportunities to learn.

If you're wondering what it's really like to work as a Kitchen Team Leader, here's everything you need to know. 

What does a Kitchen Team Leader do?

A Kitchen Team Leader is the link between the kitchen team and the kitchen management team. You'll help keep every service running smoothly while making sure your team feels supported and motivated.

On a typical shift, you might:

• Lead the kitchen team during service
• Prepare and cook high-quality dishes
• Support the Sous Chef and Head Chef with daily operations
• Coach and develop newer team members
• Help manage stock and deliveries
• Maintain excellent food safety and hygiene standards
• Keep the kitchen organised, safe and ready for every service

You'll also build valuable leadership skills that prepare you for the next stage of your career.

What skills do you need to be a Kitchen Team Leader?

You don't need to know everything from day one. What matters most is having the right attitude and a passion for great hospitality.

Successful Kitchen Team Leaders are:

• Confident working in a fast-paced environment
• Great communicators
• Positive team players who support those around them
• Able to stay calm under pressure
• Passionate about delivering great food and high standards
• Keen to help others learn and grow

If you've already worked as a Chef, Line Chef or Experienced Kitchen Team Member, becoming a Kitchen Team Leader is a natural next step.

Where does a Kitchen Team Leader fit in the kitchen career path?

One of the best things about joining M&B is knowing exactly where your career can take you.

The Kitchen Team Leader role sits between a Chef and a Sous Chef, giving you the chance to build leadership experience before taking on more responsibility.

A typical kitchen career path looks like this:

Kitchen Assistant → Chef → Kitchen Team Leader → Sous Chef → Head Chef

Career progression varies by brand. In some businesses, there is no Sous Chef role, making the Kitchen Team Leader the second-in-command to the Kitchen Manager (Head Chef).

As you gain experience, you'll develop the confidence, technical skills and leadership qualities needed to keep progressing.

Many of our Head Chefs started exactly where you are now.

Career development that keeps moving

A Kitchen Team Leader role isn't just about today's shift. It's about preparing for tomorrow's opportunities.

From your first day, you'll receive training, support and regular feedback to help you grow. You'll work alongside experienced chefs who are invested in your development, learning everything from leadership techniques to kitchen operations and people management.

If you're ambitious, there are plenty of management opportunities to progress into Sous Chef and Head Chef roles, or even move into Assistant Manager or General Manager positions across our pubs, bars and restaurants. 

Your career doesn't have to stand still, and at M&B, it rarely does.

Starting your hospitality career? We've got you.

Not everyone begins with years of kitchen experience.

Many of our chefs joined us through early careers opportunities, apprenticeships or entry-level kitchen roles before progressing into leadership positions.

If you're just starting, you'll have the chance to learn from experienced chefs, build your confidence and develop the skills that could one day lead you to becoming a Kitchen Team Leader.

It's proof that a job in hospitality can become a long-term career.

Why become a Kitchen Team Leader at M&B?

Alongside career progression, you'll enjoy being part of a team that genuinely supports one another.

Depending on your role and location, benefits can include:

• Excellent training and development
• Clear career progression opportunities
• Flexible working options
• Team discounts across M&B brands
• Pension and financial wellbeing support
• A fun, welcoming team environment where everyone pitches in

We believe hospitality is all about people. That's why we invest in yours.

Is a Kitchen Team Leader role right for you?

If you're ready to step up, support your team and develop your leadership skills while doing what you love, becoming a Kitchen Team Leader could be your perfect next move.

You'll gain valuable experience, build your confidence and open the door to exciting future opportunities, all while being part of one of the UK's largest hospitality businesses.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore our latest Kitchen Team Leader jobs and discover where your hospitality career could take you.