Kitchen Assistant

Dobbies Garden Centres; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in garden living seeks passionate Kitchen Assistants to deliver exceptional customer experiences in their Restaurants. You'll prepare and present food, support kitchen operations, and uphold high hygiene standards while working with a dedicated team focused on customer satisfaction.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

50% off in our Restaurants

25% off in the Garden Centre

10% off in our food halls

Access to financial wellbeing support

Development opportunities via eLearning

Qualifications

• Experience in food service.
• Knowledge of kitchen health, safety, and hygiene rules.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and presenting food in line with menu specifications.
• Supporting general kitchen duties proactively.
• Collaborating with the kitchen team for timely meal service.

Skills

Food Safety

Communication

Teamwork

Customer Service

Education

Food Safety Qualification

Job description

Our Kitchen Assistants play an essential role in delivering exceptional customer experiences across our Restaurants—delivering tasty food, ensuring food hygiene, and maintaining high operational standards.

Responsibilities

1. Preparing and presenting food in line with menu specifications.
2. Supporting general kitchen duties proactively.
3. Collaborating with the kitchen team to ensure meals are presented to a high standard and served on time.
4. Developing knowledge of dietary requirements, allergies, and health & safety regulations.

Who We Are Looking For

• You are passionate about food and providing the best experience for our customers.
• You are a team player and confident communicator eager to learn new skills.
• Thrives in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Experience in food service.
• Knowledge of kitchen health, safety, and hygiene rules.
• Relevant food safety qualifications are a plus.
• Demonstrates our values—being one team, continuous improvement, bringing a smile, embracing our gardens, and making it work for our customers.

What We Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement, with flexible holiday scheduling.
• Uncapped store discounts: 50% off in our Restaurants, 25% off in the Garden Centre, and 10% off in our food halls.
• Access to Wagestream for financial wellbeing support, including early earnings access, savings, and financial advice.
• Confidential support through Retail Trust, including virtual GP, counselling, and retail rewards.
• Development opportunities via Dobbies Academy’s eLearning platform and programs.
• A passionate, diverse, and committed team culture focused on customer satisfaction.

About Us

Founded in 1865 by James Dobbie, Dobbies is the only garden centre retailer with stores in every UK nation. We celebrate garden living year-round through our products, services, and community events. Many stores feature a restaurant or coffee shop, providing a relaxed environment for customers. We are committed to being a great place to work, encouraging colleagues to be their best and celebrate success.