Catering Assistant

Sanctuary Group; Monkton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave pro rata + bank

Occupational sick pay

Company pension

Health and wellbeing support

Life insurance

Training & development

Flexible working

Discounts & perks

Uniform provided

Job summary

Sanctuary Care is seeking a Catering Assistant for Howard House in Kilmarnock (KA1 2BP). You will assist in meal preparation and serving, maintaining high hygiene standards and a calm dining environment for residents.

The role focuses on teamwork, excellent service, and supporting residents’ daily experiences with a caring attitude. The position offers a stable, not-for-profit environment with opportunities for development and flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Clear communication skills and a flexible approach.
• Previous catering experience and a food hygiene certificate, or willingness to work towards one.

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.
• An understanding of safe food handling and cleaning practices.
• An enthusiastic approach to working with older people.
• We can provide training to obtain a food hygiene certificate if needed.

Skills

Good communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Caring approach

Education

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Department: Health and Social Care (Catering and Hospitality S

Operation: Sanctuary Care

Closing Date:

Salary: £12.71 per hour

Requisition: 230138

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

£12.71 per hour

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 proudlyInvestors 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.

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.