Kitchen Assistant

Sodexo; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 17,908 - 19,286; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Protective uniform provided

Public holidays off

Mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Career progression

Job summary

Sodexo is recruiting a Kitchen Assistant at Abingdon Prep School to support nutritious meals and a positive dining experience for pupils and staff. The role involves preparing, presenting, and serving food, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with stock control. It offers term-time hours across 5 days with a competitive hourly rate.

Join a supportive catering team committed to high standards, health and safety, and delivering excellent hospitality for school events and daily meals.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, food service, or kitchen environment.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety procedures.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation, presentation, and service of food to a high standard.
• Serve customers in a friendly and professional manner.
• Replenish displays and service counters throughout the day.
• Maintain clean, hygienic kitchen and dining areas.
• Assist with stock rotation, storage, and waste procedures.
• Follow food safety, allergen, and health & safety regulations.
• Support events and conferences as needed.
• Collaborate with colleagues for smooth daily operations.
• Contribute to delivering an excellent dining experience.

Skills

Catering experience

Customer service

Team player

Food safety

Flexible

Communication

Job description

Position Kitchen Assistant

Location Abingdon Prep School Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Salary £13.00 - £14.00 per hour

Hours 30+ Hours Per Week (Flexible)

Working Pattern 5 out of 7

Term Time Only

Plan Your Journey | Traveline OX13 5NX

Set within 35 acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of Abingdon and just 8 miles from Oxford, Abingdon School Foundation combines over 750 years of history with a modern and ambitious outlook. The Foundation is entering an exciting new chapter, becoming fully co‑educational from 2026, and new summer camps launching in 2027.

At Abingdon, we help young people develop the confidence, skills and resilience they need to embrace their future. We encourage students to seize opportunities, appreciate their responsibilities to others and contribute positively to society. The Foundation promotes a culture of respect, equality and inclusion, where diversity is celebrated and wellbeing is a priority.

Known for excellence in academics, music, sport and the arts, Abingdon offers a caring and supportive environment where students are encouraged to achieve their best and try something new.

We're looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our team and help deliver outstanding hospitality experiences across a wide range of events, from sporting fixtures and school celebrations to conferences, summer programmes and commercial events.

What You Will Do

• As a member of the catering team, you'll play an important role in providing nutritious meals and creating a positive dining experience for pupils, staff, and guests. Key responsibilities include:
• Supporting the preparation, presentation, and service of food to a high standard
• Serving customers in a friendly and professional manner
• Replenishing food displays and service counters throughout the day
• Maintaining clean, organised, and hygienic kitchen and dining areas
• Assisting with stock rotation, food storage, and waste management procedures
• Following all food safety, allergen, and health & safety regulations
• Supporting special events, hospitality functions, and school activities when required
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations
• Helping deliver an excellent dining experience for all customers

What You Bring

We're looking for a reliable and customer‑focused individual who enjoys working as part of a team.

• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, food service, or kitchen environment
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• The ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety procedures
• A flexible approach and willingness to support the wider team
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards
• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate (desirable but not essential)
• Previous school, hospitality, or contract catering experience (desirable)

What We Offer

• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full training and protective uniform provided
• No unsociable hours and public holidays off - including Christmas!
• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
• Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
• Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre‑employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.