Kitchen Assistant

John Lewis Plc; Cookham Rise; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retail company is looking for a Kitchen Assistant in Cookham Rise, England. The role involves maintaining kitchen cleanliness, assisting with food preparation, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and the ability to work well both independently and in a team. This position offers significant training opportunities and a night premium for late shifts.

Benefits

Ongoing training

Night premium for late shifts

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Good communication skills necessary for team coordination.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team is essential.
• Understanding of food safety policies and health regulations is a must.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen according to food safety regulations.
• Assist in food preparation and manage deliveries.
• Contribute to the profitable running of the department.

Skills

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Ability to adhere to health and safety regulations

Job description

As a Kitchen Assistant you’ll work in all areas of the kitchen including being a kitchen porter, basic food preparation, helping to maintain the high standards of hospitality for all hotel guests to enjoy.

You will be involved with the preparation of food for our hotel guests, managing stock and minimising wastage. This is a role where you will receive ongoing training and there is plenty of opportunity for you to progress throughout the kitchen and hospitality sector.

In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 and 06:00 will attract a night premium at a rate of £3.50 per hour. This will also apply to existing partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Working as part of the kitchen brigade to maintain the kitchen standards of cleanliness in compliance with food safety regulations and guidelines.
• To assist in basic food preparation, take responsibility for deliveries, the completion of cleaning schedules and temperature checks for kitchen equipment.
• To add value to the efficient and profitable running of your department in order to achieve your business and personal objectives, along with those of your team and the hotel.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Good communication skills.
• The ability to work in a team or on your own.
• Ability to interpret and adhere to food safety policy and health and safety regulations.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in a kitchen or hospitality environment is welcomed but not essential.

We’ll make sure you have all the training you need to perform at your best, everyday. This includes training in Food Safety Level 2 which is normally completed in the first 3 months.

About Us

We’re the largest employee‑owned business in the UK and home to our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. As Partners, we are driven by our purpose to build a happier world. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail, innovating and serving food‑lovers in Waitrose with the best quality and service.

We value ownership, collaboration, kindness and respect. We embrace diversity, create a supportive environment where you can thrive, and support a good work‑life balance through flexible, compressed, job‑sharing or shorter‑hour contracts where possible.