Kitchen Porter Team Leader–NEC, Birmingham| Full-Time / Permanent
£28386+ excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
We are Levy
Levy is about elevating experiences. We are a leading global hospitality partner, designing and delivering unforgettable guest moments that prioritise people and the planet.
Trusted by some of the world’s most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events – including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and ExCeL London – we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.
Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.
We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.
OVERVIEW
Levy UK & Ireland is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company. We deliver legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality at some of the most iconic venues in sport, entertainment, and events.
Our portfolio includes partnerships with world-class destinations such as Wimbledon, Tottenham Hotspur, Twickenham, Edgbaston, ExCeL London, and the Scottish Event Campus.
We are culinary champions – passionate about creating unforgettable moments through exceptional food and service. With sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, we are committed to doing the right thing for our people and the planet.
We are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage, and we are working towards our ambitious goal of Net Zero by 2027.
ROLE PURPOSE
As a Kitchen Porter Team Leader, you play a crucial leadership role in ensuring the smooth, efficient, and hygienic running of the kitchen. You will lead and motivate a team of Kitchen Porters to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation, and safety, supporting the culinary team in delivering world-class experiences.
This role requires a proactive and hands-on approach, balancing day-to-day operational responsibilities with team leadership, training, and coordination. You will inspire your team to work together effectively, ensuring every kitchen operation runs seamlessly behind the scenes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Lead the Team: Supervise, motivate, and support Kitchen Porters, fostering a positive, respectful, and high-performing team culture.
* Operational Excellence: Ensure that all back-of-house areas, equipment, and utensils are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards of hygiene and organisation.
* Training & Development: Provide guidance and on-the-job training to team members, ensuring they understand responsibilities and uphold Levy’s standards.
* Health & Safety Compliance: Take responsibility for ensuring that all health, safety, hygiene, allergen, COSHH, and manual handling procedures are consistently followed.
* Waste Management: Oversee the safe and efficient disposal of waste and recycling, maintaining a clean, safe, and sustainable kitchen environment.
* Support Delivery & Stock Handling: Coordinate the team in receiving, checking, and correctly storing deliveries, ensuring accurate rotation and compliance with food safety procedures.
* Communication: Act as the key point of contact between the kitchen porter team and the chefs/back-of-house leadership, ensuring clear, timely, and effective communication.
* Problem Solving: Quickly identify and address operational challenges, escalating where necessary and driving continuous improvement.
* Role Model: Lead by example – demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, reliability, and a commitment to Levy’s values.
* Guest Experience: Understand the impact of back-of-house operations on front-of-house delivery, ensuring that your team plays its part in creating legendary guest experiences.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
* Leadership Skills: Experience in leading or supervising a team, with the ability to motivate, coach, and inspire others.
* Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to cleanliness and organisation, upholding the highest standards at all times.
* Physical Stamina: Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing for extended periods and carrying out manual tasks in a fast-paced environment.
* Reliability: Dependable, punctual, and committed to delivering consistent results.
* Adaptability: Flexible and resilient, able to respond positively to changing priorities and demands.
* Time Management: Skilled at organising tasks, prioritising workload, and supporting the team to deliver efficiently.
* Communication: Strong interpersonal and basic communication skills, with the ability to give clear instructions and feedback.
* Team Player: A collaborative and supportive attitude, ensuring a positive and effective team dynamic.
* Work Ethic: A proactive, can-do approach with a willingness to go above and beyond when required.
* Experience: Previous experience as a Kitchen Porter is essential, with some supervisory or team leader experience desirable.
* Flexibility: Willingness to work varied shifts including evenings, weekends, and event days in line with the demands of the venue.
What you’ll get in return
* 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
* Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
* Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
* Family benefits: 2 days’ additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby’s first birthday, enhanced family leave
* Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
* Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
* Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
* Meals on duty included