Kitchen Assistant

AA Euro Group; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare catering organization in Southampton is seeking a Catering Assistant / Cook to prepare and serve meals, ensuring they meet residents' dietary requirements. The ideal candidate will have a background in catering, understand nutrition and food safety, and have excellent communication skills. Join us to help create a delightful dining experience for our residents.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering or cook role.
• Competent cook with strong understanding of nutrition.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to guidelines.
• Ensure menus meet nutritional needs and dietary requirements.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Skills

Catering experience

Understanding of nutrition

Food safety knowledge

Basic IT skills

Communication skills

Education

Current Food Hygiene and First Aid certificates

Job description

Overview

Catering Assistant / Cook

Location: Southampton

Organisation: AA EURO HEALTHCARE

Contract Type: Agency

Salary: £12.50 - £14.00

Job Purpose

To deliver a high-quality catering service that enhances the lives of residents by providing nutritious, appealing meals in a clean and welcoming environment. You will ensure all meals meet dietary requirements and preferences in line with environmental health standards, contributing to an exceptional dining experience for every resident.

Key Responsibilities

• Catering Prepare, cook, and serve meals in accordance with Safer Food, Better Business guidelines.
• Catering Ensure menus meet residents' nutritional needs, preferences, and dietary requirements, including allergens and soft diets.
• Catering Collaborate with the meal supplier or account manager to order meals, ingredients, and catering supplies within budget.
• Catering Maintain high standards of food presentation and consistency for all plated meals.
• Catering Enhance the dining experience by preparing additional items such as cakes or snacks for afternoon tea.
• Catering Display weekly menus and ensure dining areas are attractively presented at mealtimes.
• Catering Monitor and record all food safety checks, including stock rotation, labelling, and temperature controls.
• Catering Minimise food waste and maintain optimal stock levels.

• Environment & Compliance Maintain kitchen and dining areas to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Environment & Compliance Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and Food Hygiene regulations.
• Environment & Compliance Conduct regular checks to ensure first aid supplies are fully stocked and incidents are recorded and reported promptly.
• Environment & Compliance Support a welcoming, safe, and comfortable dining environment for residents and visitors.

• Finance & Administration Manage food orders and budgets effectively, ensuring all purchases remain within allocated limits.
• Finance & Administration Keep accurate and up-to-date records, including cost trackers, menu plans, and compliance documentation.
• Finance & Administration Report accidents, incidents, and safeguarding concerns promptly and in line with policy.

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience in a catering or cook role, ideally within services for older people.
• Competent cook with strong understanding of nutrition and portion control.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.
• Ability to work within budgets and maintain accurate records.
• Basic IT skills (email, online ordering, record keeping).
• Current Food Hygiene and First Aid certificates.

Desirable Criteria

• Warm, caring, and compassionate approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to interact well with residents, colleagues, and visitors.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.

Why Join Us?

We believe in creating a homely, supportive environment where residents can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals and meaningful connections. As part of our catering team, you'll play a key role in enhancing daily life and wellbeing for everyone in our care.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today and help us deliver a dining experience that truly feels like home.

INDUK