Reposted 6 days ago

Kitchen Team Leader

Whitbread
Pay £13.04 per hour
Location Milton KeynesBuckinghamshire
Contract time Full time, part time, contract

The Breakroom Take

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 10, based on 751 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • Recommended by students

About Whitbread

Whitbread is a restaurant and hotel operator. They run Premier Inn, Beefeater and Brewers Fayre.

Job description from Whitbread

Hotel Chef – Milton Keynes (Theatre District) Premier Inn

Come and be a Hotel Chef at Premier Inn in Milton Keynes. Manage your team and prepare, cook and serve our legendary Premier Inn breakfasts and classic dishes. Immediate start, catering experience needed.

PAY RATE:
Up to £13.04 per hour

CONTRACT TYPE:
Permanent – we don’t do zero hours contracts!

HOURS:
30 Hours, across 5 days per week – guaranteed hours to plan your week around

This role will include a mixture of both midweek and weekend shifts; as well as a mix of mornings and evenings.

LOCATION:
Milton Keynes (Theatre District) Premier Inn

801 Avebury Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 3JT

Why you’ll love it here:

  • Training and support: We’ve got user-friendly equipment that will make your shift easier from the start and the training that’ll give you a real career path in our kitchens, including apprenticeships.
  • Whitbread Benefits card: Enjoy up to 60% off Premier Inn rooms and 25% off meals in Whitbread Restaurants
  • Pension and saving schemes: Company pension and save as you earn scheme
  • Discounts: Get money off shops, your utility bills, travel, cinema trips, supermarkets and more
  • Have breakfast on us: Enjoy a complimentary Premier Inn breakfast for 2 when you join us

What you’ll do:
Join our team at Milton Keynes (Theatre District) Premier Inn as a Hotel Chef and take the next step in your Chef career. You’ll get the keys to our kitchen to grow your team, create our much loved meals and make your mark as part of the UK’s leading hospitality business, Whitbread.

Job insights from Breakroom

Bar, restaurant and kitchen supervisors

Bar, restaurant and kitchen supervisors are responsible for the day-to-day running of their bar or restaurant and make sure customers are happy with the food and service they receive

What you’ll do as a bar, restaurant and kitchen supervisor

  • Plan menus with your chefs
  • Organise shifts and rotas for kitchen, waiting and bar staff
  • Recruit staff and help to train them
  • Plan events like weddings or birthdays
  • Manage stock and budgets

Is it right for you?

This job may involve:

  • Standing
  • Physical activities
  • Wearing a uniform
  • Cleaning
  • Anti-social hours
  • Managing people
  • Using a computer

Map

Milton KeynesBuckinghamshire

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Good
  • Most people are paid a living wage

    Do Whitbread pay team leaders enough to live on?

    Most people are paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    91% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.60 per hour, and £13.85 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Good
  • Most people are paid market rates

    Do Whitbread pay team leaders market rates?

    Most people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    85% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do team leaders at Whitbread get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    100% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get sick pay

    Do Whitbread pay team leaders sick pay?

    No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    91% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Okay
  • Some people do unpaid extra work

    Do team leaders at Whitbread do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    45% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do team leaders get of their shift pattern at Whitbread?

    Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 21% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 59% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 18% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 3% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.

    This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.

  • Okay
  • Some people worry about their hours

    Do team leaders at Whitbread worry about hours?

    Some people worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    35% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.

    A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.

    This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do team leaders at Whitbread get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    56% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Needs improving
  • Hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for team leaders at Whitbread to change shifts?

    Most people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    82% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 28 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to book holiday

    How easy is it for team leaders to book a holiday at Whitbread?

    Some people find it hard to book holiday.

    How we know this

    47% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Needs improving
  • Shifts get changed at short notice

    Do Whitbread managers change team leaders shifts at short notice?

    Most managers change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    79% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Okay
  • Some people find it hard to take sick leave

    How easy is it for team leaders to take sick leave at Whitbread?

    Some people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    59% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most parents say it’s bad

    Is working as team leaders at Whitbread good if you have caring responsibilities?

    Most parents and carer say this is a bad place to work.

    How we know this

    79% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and May 2024.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Okay
  • Only some people feel treated with respect

    Do team leaders at Whitbread feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    39% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get proper breaks

    Do team leaders at Whitbread get proper breaks?

    Most people don’t get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    88% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed

    Is it stressful for team leaders to work at Whitbread?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    85% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Okay
  • Only some people enjoy their job

    Do team leaders at Whitbread enjoy their jobs?

    Only some people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    55% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do team leaders at Whitbread recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    65% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do team leaders get enough training when they start at Whitbread?

    Some people did’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    58% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get support to progress

    Are team leaders given support to progress at Whitbread?

    Only some people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 59% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do team leaders think Whitbread head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    100% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Okay
  • Only some people feel well informed by head office

    Do team leaders feel well informed about how Whitbread is doing?

    Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    62% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Find out more about working at Whitbread

What Whitbread employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    The team retention and how you can turn the whole team into a family, the company wants to perform and grow and they do this by trying to get employees involved in growth and progression.

    Worst thing

    Uncertainty of plans, not understanding why they are doing said plans. Staffing issues and turnover when the site has recently changed. The worst things as well is how the senior management team are treated. They must review the pay grades of ALL members of staff specifically the kitchen and management.

    5.0

    Whitbread Duty manager, September 2024

  • Best thing

    People you work with keep the job positive

    Worst thing

    Its very obvious that cuts are made to maximise profit, not taking into consideration the wellbeing of the floor team who are stretched, standards are lower and targets become unrealistic

    3.4

    Whitbread Duty Manager, August 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    The team is friendly; you get discounted food at work and the 25 % off from the hotel; you can ask for specific days off if you need them

    Worst thing

    If the mood of a team member is off it is a bit stressful to work; you don't get paid for the 20 minutes break and sometimes if it's busy you don't get to even take it properly

    4.6

    Whitbread Barista, April 2024

  • Best thing

    The people i work with

    Worst thing

    The disregard for the job we do. I feel that whitbread are not concerned enough for the caliber of service we claim to offer

    4.1

    Whitbread Grill chef, September 2023

  • Best thing

    My fellow nights team members and the benefits to an extent

    Worst thing

    Management have no respect and are very discriminatory. They have no regard for Working Time Regulations until it impacts them for example - they delegate a lot of jobs from housekeeping especially to nights

    4.6

    Whitbread Employee, August 2023

  • Best thing

    Friendly team
    Flexible hours

    Worst thing

    Pay is lower for under 21s
    Tips are not shared fairly
    Company does not care about restaurant staff as much as Premier Inn staff
    Not enough equipment

    6.0

    Whitbread Team member, February 2023

  • Best thing

    The tips

    Worst thing

    Underpaid, the company cheats the system a bit when it comes to time off or holiday. I.e not getting full pay if you were usually working

    3.6

    Whitbread Waitress, October 2022

  • Best thing

    Friendly staff

    Worst thing

    Never let out on time
    App counts hours wrong leading to being underpaid
    Don’t get a break when I work overtime (over 6 hours)
    I’m under 18 and can sometimes work right up until 11 (meant to be 9)
    Stressful due to lack of staff
    Managers have frequent “outside” breaks when restaurant is busy
    Rude customers
    Kitchen staff can get stressed and shout

    5.5

    Whitbread Front of house staff, August 2022

  • Best thing

    Other friendly housekeepers. Good pay.

    Worst thing

    Forced to work overtime even if we're not contract obliged to. Management use up all your holiday allowance without telling you if its not a busy time of year. Looked down upon if you don't want to do overtime certain days.

    4.1

    Whitbread Housekeeper, February 2022

  • Best thing

    The nice customers and my best colleagues

    Worst thing

    Not enough staff, having to wear the same uniform as the team members and no one knows I am a duty manager, favouritism within the management and staff

    6.0

    Whitbread Duty manager, March 2021

  • More reviews from Whitbread employees

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