Catering Assistant

Aspens Services Ltd; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Aspens Services Ltd is seeking a Catering Assistant to support our school kitchen and help deliver a smooth lunchtime service. You will assist with basic food preparation, operate tills during service, and provide friendly, efficient service to students and staff.

You’ll join a busy, safety‑conscious team with training offered on health and safety practices. The role offers school term-time hours, a 22.5‑hour week, and a predictable pattern with weekends off and no late nights.

Qualifications

• Teamwork in a busy kitchen environment.
• Experience in catering or fast-paced service is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety practices is desirable.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 is helpful but training is provided.

Responsibilities

• Customer Interaction: Working on the tills during service (training provided).
• Front‑Line Service: Providing friendly, polite service to students and staff.
• Essential Support: Assisting the team with basic food preparation.
• Maintaining Standards: Ensuring a safe, clean kitchen environment and Health & Safety compliance.

Skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Communication

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 (not essential)

Job description

About us

Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals-we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.

The role

As a Catering Assistant, you will be a vital part of the team, supporting our kitchen in basic food preparation and delivering excellent service that makes the lunchtime rush run smoothly.

• Customer Interaction: Working on the tills during service (don't worry, full training is provided!).
• Front-Line Service: Providing friendly, polite customer service to all students and staff.
• Essential Support: Assisting the team with basic food
• Maintaining Standards: Ensuring a safe, clean kitchen environment and meeting Health and Safety compliance

About you

• You're a team player and thrive as part of a busy team
• You have previous catering or fast-paced service experience
• You have a basic knowledge of health and safety practices
• The Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification is great, but not essential as we can provide the training!

Why Join the Aspens Family

• Great Work-Life Balance:You'll work Monday to Friday during school term time - that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!
• 22.5 hours per week
• 37 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
• £13.45 per hour
• Career Growth and Development: Join a fast-growing, ambitious company. We have no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career in catering.
• Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeship and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.

Please note: All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.