Canteen Team Leader

As a Canteen Team Leader, you’ll play a key role in the day-to-day running of our busy canteen, working closely with the Catering Manager to deliver great food, excellent service and a welcoming experience for our colleagues. You’ll be hands-on, leading the team during busy services, keeping standards high and stepping up to support the Catering Manager when needed.

This is a varied role where no two days are quite the same. If you’re an experienced cook who enjoys leading a team, takes pride in high standards and likes being hands-on, this could be the perfect next step for you.

What you’ll be doing

• Delivering excellent customer service to all canteen visitors and colleagues, making everyone feel welcome.
• Leading and supporting the catering team during service to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Maintaining high standards of food quality and looking for ways to improve service and reduce food wait times.
• Supporting the Catering Manager with weekly stock ordering and taking ownership when they are absent.
• Deputising for the Catering Manager when required, including rota planning, ordering, baking and supporting early starts.
• Monitoring food costs by reducing waste, controlling expenses and keeping on top of stock rotation and date codes.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness across the kitchen, workstations, equipment and service areas.
• Ensuring all required legal and food safety paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
• Following health and safety, food hygiene, food safety and allergen regulations at all times.
• Using kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Keeping food, ingredients and service areas fully stocked throughout shifts.
• Handling cash accurately and in line with company policy.
• Responding to customer queries and resolving complaints promptly and professionally.
• Supporting the training and development of new and existing colleagues.
• Helping to create and develop seasonal monthly menus.
• Keeping your knowledge up to date by completing all required company training.

What you’ll bring

• At least 2 years’ cooking experience, ideally within a busy catering or kitchen environment.
• Experience of leading or managing people, with the confidence to support and motivate a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a friendly and professional approach.
• A genuine passion for delivering great food and customer service.
• Pride in maintaining a clean, organised and well-presented kitchen.
• A proactive approach, with the ability to use your initiative and make decisions.
• Good organisation skills and the ability to stay calm and focused during busy periods.
• A strong understanding of food hygiene, food safety and allergen requirements.
• A Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 qualification or higher.
• Current allergen training.
• A willingness to get stuck in and support the team wherever needed.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary with the opportunity to earn company bonus, company pension (with enhancement options), and a referral scheme.
• Generous holiday allowance plus an extra wellbeing day to recharge.
• Tailored training, structured career progression, and funded apprenticeship programmes.
• Exclusive discounts across all group brands (Ryman, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue), Cycle2Work scheme, and access to mental health first aiders and wellness support.
• A collaborative team with recognition awards and regular social events.

About Ryman

With over 130 years of heritage, Ryman is the UK’s go-to destination for stationery, office supplies, and tech. Operating over 200 stores alongside a thriving digital presence, we are proud to be part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group (including Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue, and London Graphic Centre).

We are a resilient, innovative, and customer-first business. We believe in equipping our people with the tools they need to grow, thrive, and succeed.

Ryman is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves at work.

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