Head Kitchen Porter: Lead a Busy London Kitchen

Houston & Hawkes; Greater London; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

CODE Hospitality membership

Ongoing training and progression

Job summary

Houston & Hawkes is seeking an experienced Head Kitchen Porter to lead the kitchen porter team in a fast-paced student environment within Central London. You will oversee daily porter operations, support chefs and ensure the kitchen, wash-up and back-of-house areas are clean, safe and ready for service.

This hands-on role requires leadership, organisation and a strong focus on hygiene and food safety. The role offers £15.80–£16 per hour, 40 hours per week, and a 5-out-of-7 shift pattern.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Kitchen Porter or senior Kitchen Porter experience in a high-volume operation.
• Experience in contract catering, university or hotel environments preferred.
• Hands-on leadership with strong organisational skills.
• Excellent cleanliness, hygiene and COSHH knowledge.
• Calm, reliable under busy service with good communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organise the kitchen porter team across a busy 5 out of 7 operation.
• Allocate daily duties and prep for each service.
• Maintain clean and well-organised kitchen, wash-up, storage and back-of-house areas.
• Ensure pots, pans, crockery and utensils are ready when needed.
• Support chefs and wider culinary team during peak periods.
• Receive deliveries and store products safely.
• Maintain waste, recycling and stock control processes.
• Train new porters and set clear standards from day one.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff and management.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.

Skills

Head Kitchen Porter

Leadership

Team leadership

Organisation

Hygiene standards

COSHH knowledge

Communication

Job description

Houston & Hawkes is seeking an experienced Head Kitchen Porter to lead the kitchen porter team in a fast-paced student environment within Central London. You will oversee daily porter operations, support chefs and ensure the kitchen, wash-up and back-of-house areas are clean, safe and ready for service.

This hands-on role requires leadership, organisation and a strong focus on hygiene and food safety. The role offers £15.80–£16 per hour, 40 hours per week, and a 5-out-of-7 shift pattern.