Catering Assistant

Sanctuary Group; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 8,200 - 9,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave pro rata

Occupational sick pay

Contributory pension

CI inspection bonus

Overtime Enhancement

Health and wellbeing support

Company-paid life insurance

Parental leave arrangements

Annual leave purchase scheme

Company-funded training

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Free meals

Exclusive retail discounts

Cycle to Work

Salary sacrifice arrangements

Free uniform

Refer a Friend scheme

Job summary

Sanctuary Care is seeking a Catering Assistant at Howard House in Kilmarnock to support the preparation and serving of nutritious meals for residents in a calm, well-organised environment.

The role offers a competitive hourly rate of £12.71 with 13 hours per week, no late nights or split shifts, and a commitment to work-life balance. Training and career development are highlighted in this not-for-profit setting.

Qualifications

• Caring, enthusiastic approach to older people.
• Good teamwork and willingness to support colleagues.
• Understanding of safe food handling and cleaning practices.
• Previous catering experience and a food hygiene certificate, or willingness to work towards one.
• Clear communication and a flexible approach.

Responsibilities

• Support the catering team with basic food preparation and meal service.
• Present and serve meals to a high standard for residents.
• Follow food hygiene and safety standards at all times.
• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean, safe and welcoming.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support residents’ daily experience.

Skills

Caring attitude

Teamwork

Food hygiene knowledge

Catering experience

Communication skills

Education

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

Catering Assistant

Howard House, 13 Howard St, Kilmarnock KA1 2BP

£12.71 per hour

13 hours per week – no late nights, no split shifts

Cook up your career in care with a better work-life balance

We’re excited to welcome a Catering Assistant to support the preparation and serving of nutritious, well-presented meals at Howard House in 13 Howard St, Kilmarnock KA1 2BP, without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. Working as part of a friendly kitchen team, you’ll help create a positive dining experience for residents within a calm, well-organised environment.

We're proudly Investors in People Platinum accredited and not-for-profit, which means every penny we make goes straight back into our people and our homes. Whether you’ve already found your calling or you’re still discovering it, we’ll support you every step of the way. From your first day to your dream role, we’ll help you get there.

When you join Sanctuary Care, you’re joining an award-winning team where colleagues and residents truly matter. We’re proud winners of the 2025 Nursing Times Award for Care of Older People and the 2025 Care Home Awards Best for Training and Development, and Outstanding Larger Care Home Group.

Your role

• Support the catering team with basic food preparation and meal service
• Present and serve meals to a high standard for residents
• Follow food hygiene and safety standards at all times
• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean, safe and welcoming
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support residents’ daily experience

Your skills

• A caring, enthusiastic approach with a genuine interest in older people
• Good teamwork skills and a willingness to support colleagues
• An understanding of safe food handling and cleaning practices
• Previous catering experience and a food hygiene certificate, or willingness to work towards one
• Clear communication skills and a flexible approach

Your rewards

You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 28 days’ annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension, we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your wellbeing, recognise your contribution, and help you build a rewarding career with Sanctuary:

• CI inspection bonus
• Overtime Enhancement
• Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements and annual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities, including our Team Leader Development Programme
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
• Free meals dependant on shift duration
• Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements
• Free uniform
• Refer a Friend scheme, rewarding you for helping great people join Sanctuary

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.

Ready to start an inspiring career journey with us? Apply today and join us in leading the way in care.Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Discover our values, culture, and real stories from our teams at www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs or follow us on socials.

Before you apply

• We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.
• All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks if needed; for more information, please get in touch.
• Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account.
• We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent illegal working.

A PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme) check in respect of protected adults will be necessary in the event of a successful application, which we will pay for.

Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.