General Kitchen Assistant

Leeds Bread Co-op; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player in the catering sector is looking for a General Kitchen Assistant to join their dynamic team. This role offers the chance to contribute to a high-quality catering service, working closely with school staff and engaging with children and parents. You'll be involved in food preparation, cooking, and serving, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on customer experience, this position is perfect for those passionate about food and service. Join a team that values your contributions and supports your growth in a rewarding environment.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Annual Leave Entitlement

Pension Fund Membership

Flexible Working Arrangements

Career Pathway Opportunities

Staff Benefits for Wellbeing

Qualifications

• Excellent organisation and practical catering skills are essential.
• Ability to work under pressure and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation, cooking, and serving of food and drinks.
• Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen and service areas.

Skills

Organisation Skills

Practical Catering Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certification

Job description

As a General Kitchen Assistant you will work as part of a team, communicate and work with others to assist in the provision of a high quality catering service. This is a varied and interesting role which involves working closely with school staff and liaising with parents and children on a regular basis.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

Our ideal candidate will:

• have excellent organisation skills
• possess good practical catering skills
• have a passion and a flair for detail

About the role

At Catering Leeds, we have set our sights high. We provide a school meals service that covers everything from arranging special diets to maintaining the catering equipment.

We are specialists in Food Education and have over 25 years’ experience of providing a great service to schools and nurseries. Our primary focus is on customer experience.

You will be responsible for assisting in the preparation, cooking and serving of food. You will provide an efficient and polite service to customers. Your duties will include cleaning of the kitchen and all service areas and preparing the dining room before and after service, including setting out of dining room furniture. You should always promote the objectives of Catering Leeds via the provision of a quality service.

Previous catering experience is preferred.

This is a term-time only role which requires 39 weeks of working per year, plus 3 cleaning days and 2 training days.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact our dedicated recruitment team on 0113 3782323.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

Job Description

Job purpose

To assist in the provision of a high-quality catering service.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in the preparation, cooking and serving of food and drinks
• Providing an efficient and polite service to customers.
• Cleaning of the kitchen and all service areas.
• Preparing the dining room before and after service, including setting out of dining room furniture.
• Ensuring that Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Regulations are adhered to.
• Promoting the objectives of the Catering Agency via the provision of a quality service at all times.
• To work in various areas, covering commensurate duties as required.
• Be able to work as part of a team, communicate with others and act on instructions from senior staff.
• To wear the appropriate protective clothing as requested.
• Attending appropriate training courses/seminars as requested.

It should be noted that this job description is subject to occasional changes to incorporate other commensurate duties and responsibilities in response to organisational change/review and to assist flexibility.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post as specified by the site supervisor.

Essential requirements

It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Work as part of a team and communicate with others as a group or one to one.
• The ability to achieve deadlines.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• The ability to understand instructions.
• The ability to communicate with members of staff and children.
• Experience of miscellaneous physical duties e.g., bending, lifting and carrying.
• A flexible approach to extending hours and covering other duties in own establishments.
• Be prepared to work in other Catering Agency Establishments as and when required.
• Be prepared to wear the specified uniform.
• Be prepared to work in school holidays when required.
• Be prepared to follow Health and Safety and Basic Food Hygiene Regulations and demonstrate high levels of personal hygiene.
• Subject to a successful DBS check.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

• Preparation skills of basic ingredients e.g., salad, fruit, and veg.
• Knowledge of kitchen procedures.
• Knowledge of Food Safety Act.
• Knowledge of using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Knowledge of ISO 9000/2000 procedures.
• Knowledge of cleaning procedures for equipment.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures.
• Experience of working within a catering organisation.
• Experience of working with interruptions which may distract.