Catering Assistant

Blue Arrow; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service is seeking an experienced catering assistant in Birmingham. The role offers training for kitchen management as current managers retire. Responsibilities include food preparation, presentation, customer service, and maintaining hygiene standards. Ideal candidates will have catering experience, an understanding of food safety, and a willingness to learn. Benefits include a salary of £27,250 per annum, bonuses, and a pension scheme. This is an excellent opportunity for career advancement.

Benefits

On-target bonus of 5%

Pension matching scheme of up to 10%

Freshly prepared lunches daily

Qualifications

• Previous experience in catering or hospitality, particularly involving food preparation and customer service.
• Understanding of food hygiene and safety standards.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment and managing multiple tasks efficiently.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintains high standards in food presentation and cleanliness.
• Communicates effectively with employees and team members.

Responsibilities

• Assist the team with preparing and presenting food for lunchtime service.
• Display food in an appealing manner and check presentation throughout service.
• Serve employees promptly and politely.
• Clean and sanitise work surfaces and equipment after use.
• Replenish stock levels and monitor supplies.
• Carry out ad hoc duties across the catering facility.
• Manage stock levels effectively to prevent shortages or excess.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with food safety, health, and hygiene training.
• Assist with reviewing and maintaining kitchen equipment.
• Review menus and adapt them to reflect seasonal ingredients.

Skills

Team player - willing to help out wherever necessary

A willingness to learn

Comfortable working in a small team

Well presented

A passion for cooking

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (desirable)

Job description

Blue Arrow are recruiting for an experienced catering assistant for a permanent role with our prestigious client in the south Birmingham area.

Starting as a catering assistant, the right candidate will then be trained over the course of the year, with a view to taking over the day to day running of the kitchen when the current manager retires next year.

Responsibilities

• Assist the team with preparing and presenting food for lunchtime service (12:00-14:00), ensuring all tasks comply with hygiene and safety standards.
• Display food in an appealing manner and regularly check presentation throughout service to upload quality and visual standards.
• Serve employees promptly and politely, ensuring positive dining experience.
• Clean and sanitise work surfaces and equipment after use to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Wash, dry and store dishes and utensils efficiently after service to keep operations running smoothly.
• Replenish stock levels and monitor supplies to avoid shortages.
• Carry out ad hoc duties across the catering facility as directed by Chef Team Leader to ensure overall efficiency.
• Manage stock levels effectively to prevent shortages or excess, minimise food waste, and collaborate with suppliers to secure the best value and quality.
• Ensure ongoing compliance through regular completion of food safety, health, and hygiene training.
• Assist with reviewing and maintaining kitchen equipment, working closely with the Facilities Manager to ensure everything remains in optimal condition.
• Review menus regularly and adapt them to reflect seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in catering or hospitality, particularly involving food preparation and customer service.
• Understanding of food hygiene and safety standards (Basic Food Hygiene Certificate is desirable)
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment and managing multiple tasks efficiently.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintains high standards in food presentation and cleanliness.
• Communicates effectively with employees and team members to provide excellent service.

Necessary Skills

• A willingness to learn
• Team player - willing to help out wherever necessary
• Comfortable working in a small team of 4 to deliver quality service
• Well presented
• A passion for cooking

This role presents a fantastic opportunity for an experienced catering assistant looking to continue their journey into chef management.

Our client delivers a high end service where every member of staff, from the floor staff, right up to the senior management enjoy freshly prepared lunches every day.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £27,250 per annum
• Bonus: On‑target bonus of 5%, with a maximum of 10%
• Pension: Matching scheme of up to 10%
• Hours of work: Monday to Friday 7:30am-2:30pm

If you feel you have the relevant skills and the desire to further your career, click APPLY to submit your CV.

Due to the expected high volume of applicants, only those with the relevant experience will be contacted.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.