Head Kitchen Porter - Utilita Arena

Compass Group UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Wellbeing support

23 days annual leave + bank holidays

Life assurance

Meals on duty

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking a Head Kitchen Porter at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham. The role focuses on keeping the arena kitchens clean, orderly, and compliant with health and safety standards.

You will support chefs and kitchen staff and may assist with basic food prep and deliveries. The position offers a competitive salary of £29,248.70 and an attractive benefits package including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and

Qualifications

• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and handle a fast-paced kitchen.
• Strong attention to detail to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
• Team player with the ability to support colleagues during busy periods.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive and friendly attitude with colleagues and guests.
• Manage the casual team across event and non-event days, keeping areas clean and show-ready.
• Operate dishwashing machines and other cleaning equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ensure cleanliness of work surfaces, floors, walls, and storage areas.
• Dispose of waste and keep kitchen surroundings free of debris.
• Follow guidance from lead staff to ensure kitchen operations run smoothly.
• Adhere to company standards for health, safety, and hygiene.
• Seek opportunities to improve knowledge, skills and personal performance.

Skills

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Team player

Reliability

Adaptability

Time management

Initiative

Communication skills

Hygiene awareness

Work ethic

Flexibility

Previous experience

Job description

Head Kitchen Porter - Utilita Arena - Birmingham | Full-Time / Permanent

£29248.7 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We are seeking a Head Kitchen Porterfor the Utilita Arena.

The overall purpose of the role of a Head Kitchen Porter is to ensure the smooth operation of the arena kitchens by maintaining cleanliness and orderliness. Kitchen Porters play a vital behind‑the‑scenes role in restaurants, catering companies, hotels, and other food establishments. Their responsibilities typically include washing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment, as well as cleaning food preparation areas, floors, and other surfaces. They may also assist with basic food preparation tasks and receiving deliveries. Essentially, Kitchen Porters support the kitchen staff in maintaining a hygienic and organised workspace, enabling chefs and cooks to focus on preparing high‑quality dishes efficiently.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Maintain a Positive and Friendly Attitude: Interact politely, promptly, and in a friendly manner with all colleagues and guests, contributing to a positive work environment.
• Managing the casual team across both event and non-event days, ensuring all kitchen areas are consistently maintained to clean, organised and show ready standard. Communicating effectively with team members to uphold company standards and ensure operational excellence at all times.
• Operate Cleaning Equipment: Operate dishwashing machines and other cleaning equipment and utensils efficiently and safely.
• Ensure Cleanliness: Clean work surfaces, shelving, floors, walls, cupboards, grease filters, and grease traps to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Dispose of Waste: Empty and clean rubbish bins regularly, ensuring the kitchen and surrounding areas are free from waste and debris.
• Follow Guidance and Procedures: Act in accordance with guidance and procedures provided by the lead kitchen porter or lead chef to ensure the kitchen team operates effectively.
• Adhere to Standards: Take pride in the business and adhere to agreed standards with the team, striving for excellence in all aspects of kitchen cleanliness and organisation.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively seek opportunities to improve knowledge, skills, and personal performance to enhance effectiveness in the role.
• Compliance with Policies: Comply with all company and unit policies regarding health and safety, food safety, allergens, hygiene, manual handling, and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).
• Personal Health and Safety: Demonstrate personal responsibility for health and safety by following safety protocols and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Enjoyment and Positivity: Approach work with enthusiasm, maintain a positive attitude, and contribute to a fun and enjoyable work environment.

PERSON SPECFICATION:

• Physical Stamina: Ability to handle the physical demands of the job, including standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, and working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail to ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards are consistently met throughout the kitchen.
• Team Player: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with kitchen staff and supporting colleagues during busy periods.
• Reliability: Dependable and punctual, with a commitment to fulfilling assigned duties consistently and on time.
• Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and tasks within the kitchen environment.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently to complete duties within designated timeframes.
• Initiative: Demonstrates a proactive approach to work, taking the initiative to identify and address tasks that need attention without constant supervision.
• Communication Skills: Basic communication skills to understand instructions from kitchen staff and to communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Hygiene Awareness: Understanding of basic food hygiene and safety practices to maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Work Ethic: Strong work ethic with a positive attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and maintain kitchen operations.
• Flexibility: Ability to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet the demands of the kitchen schedule.
• Previous Experience: While not always required, previous experience in a similar role or environment and managing a casual team may be beneficial. However, a willingness to learn and undertake training is also valued.
• Legal Requirements: Compliance with legal requirements for employment, including eligibility to work in the relevant country and any necessary health and safety certifications.

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/2509/43424001/52812892/R/SU #Levy UK

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!