Catering Assistant

Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association Limited; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full 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

Life insurance

Parental leave

Training and development

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Free meals

Discounts

Free uniform

Refer a Friend

Job summary

Sanctuary Care Limited is recruiting a Catering Assistant for Howard House in Kilmarnock. You’ll support the preparation and serving of nutritious meals for residents, in a calm, hygienic kitchen, with no late nights or split shifts.

This role offers £12.71 per hour, 13 hours per week, and a comprehensive benefits package including 28 days’ annual leave pro rata, sick pay, pension and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• A caring, enthusiastic approach with a genuine interest in 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 skills 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, enthusiastic attitude

Teamwork

Food hygiene awareness

Catering experience

Clear communication

Job description

Title: Catering Assistant

Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, GB, KA1 2BP

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 arrangementsandannual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded trainingand ongoing career development opportunities, including our Team Leader Development Programme
• Flexible working optionsand aninclusive culturewhere everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
• Free mealsdependant 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

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.
• 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.

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