Food Preparation Assistant

IKEA; Greater London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

IKEA discount 15%

Life Assurance 4x pay

Enhanced pension contributions

Discount portal (iBenefits)

Free healthy meal option

Job summary

IKEA Croydon is hiring Food Preparation Assistants (Food Co-workers) to join a busy kitchen team. You’ll prepare meals, serve customers, and help maintain high food quality and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

We offer a supportive team, shifts across mornings, evenings, and weekends, and a generous IKEA benefits package. Applicants must be 18+ and able to work across the stated hours.

Qualifications

• Kitchen experience and genuine interest in food.
• Ability to work in a busy environment with high standards.
• Self-motivated and able to work solo or as part of a team.
• Organised and detail-oriented, even when busy.
• Must be 18+ years old.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food to high standards and assist with serving and back-of-house duties.
• Work as part of a team to create a great customer experience.
• Follow food safety, health & safety, and procedures to keep a safe environment.
• Support colleagues to maintain a positive, inclusive working environment.
• Stand for long periods and lift/move stock as needed.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food preparation

Customer service

Teamwork

Tools

Cash register

Job description

"You care about making a positive impact in the world. You understand greatness requires thinking differently. An inclusive and accepting work environment is important to you."

A job at IKEA is so much more than home furnishings. Together, we work to make a better everyday life for the many. It's the perfect fit if you want to contribute, grow, and share. Join the team and start a better life for yourself.

IKEA Croydon are looking to welcome Food Preperation Assistants to join our hardworking team. In IKEA, we call this an IKEA Food Co-worker. Step into IKEA, where great food and great teamwork come together! As a Food Preperation Assistant, you'll play a key role in preparing and serving delicious meals, bringing a taste of Sweden to our customers every day. Working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, you'll ensure high standards of food quality, food safety, and customer service, while supporting your colleagues to create a welcoming and memorable experience for everyone who visits.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Start date of employment will be: 1st November 2026.
• Hourly rate of £14.80 per hour.
• The available working hours are as follows; 20 Hours, working 4 days per week working day shift, evenings and three in 4 weekends.
• Your shifts will be between 07:00 and 21:45, Monday to Saturday, and 07:00 and 17:00 on Sundays. You must be fully available throughout these hours on your four agreed working days. Availability to work full weekends is essential.
• We can discuss flexibility to match your life and our business needs during the interview.

WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS

Our co-workers bring unique ideas and skills to work every day and we offer a variety of benefits that suit their and their family's everyday needs.

BELOVED BENEFITS

• 15% IKEA discount & discount portal helping you save £100's on High-street retailers.
• Life Assurance of 4 times your pay, enhanced statutory pension contributions & interest free loans.
• iBenefits - Rewards & discount portal.
• Free healthy meal option, salad bar, fruit, and hot/cold drinks.
• …as well so much more! https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/this-is-ikea/work-with-us/why-work-with-us-because-a-job-with-us-is-so-much-more-than-a-job-pub1969c310/

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE

• Kitchen experience is essential, and candidates should have a genuine interest in food, along with experience in food preparation and service.
• You must be able to work effectively in a very busy environment while maintaining high standards of quality, food safety, and customer service.
• You will be self-motivated and consistent, with the ability to work on your own as well as collaboratively as part of a wider team.
• You will remain organised and detail-oriented, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently, even during busy periods.
• In line with health and safety requirements, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY

• The role will primarily focus on preparing food to the highest standards, ensuring all products are made accurately, efficiently, and in line with company procedures. You will also support with serving food, operating tills, cleaning and clearing the restaurant, and other back-of-house duties as required.
• You will work as part of a team to create a high-quality customer experience, listening to customers, responding to their needs, and fulfilling their expectations every day.
• You will follow all food safety, health and safety, and operational procedures to help maintain a safe and secure environment for both customers and co-workers.
• You will support your colleagues wherever needed, contributing to a positive, collaborative, and inclusive working environment supports shared goals.
• You will be required to stand for extended periods throughout your shift and regularly lift and move stock as part of replenishment and day-to-day restaurant operations.

WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE

It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us and feel valued in the workplace.

Come see the wonderful workday where we create a better everyday life for the many.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION

Let us know if you require any adjustments to be made during the interview process as soon as possible.

We understand that not every applicant will be selected, but we promise to keep you informed either way.

Final offers of employment are contingent upon clear results in mandatory background checks. Background checks must be completed by all candidates who receive an offer. This role requires:

• Medical questionnaire