Kitchen Assistant

Serco; Gatwick; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme (up to 6%)

Employee discounts

Autonomous culture

Friendly team environment

Job summary

Serco is hiring a Kitchen Assistant at the Gatwick Immigration Centre. This full-time role involves supporting kitchen operations, preparing meals, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations for detainees.

The position requires basic IT skills (Excel, Word, Outlook), strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced catering environment. Perseverance and teamwork are essential in a busy unit.

Qualifications

• Basic computer skills including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of risk and conflict management.
• Experience in high-pressured catering operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef to ensure Health and Safety and Food Hygiene regulations are observed.
• Maintain security and food safety of all foodstuffs from delivery to storage.
• Prepare and cook varied and healthy menus for detainees, including special diets.
• Carry out random quality checks on serveries before, during and after meals.
• Order all foodstuffs and consumables for catering services.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Risk management

High-pressure catering

Education

Food safety level 2 or 3

HACCP awareness

Allergen awareness

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

KITCHEN ASSISTANT – GATWICK IMMIGRATION CENTRE

Full time, 38.5 hours per week. Permanent.

Salary: £25,866.78 per annum

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Head Chef and chefs in ensuring Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Regulations are strictly observed and controlled.
• Maintain the security and food safety of all foodstuffs during delivery, storage and distribution within the establishment. Dispose of and recycle food waste via approved methods.
• Prepare and cook varied and healthy menus for detainees, including special diets, special days and religious events as directed by the Head Chef.
• Perform random quality checks on serveries before, during and after mealtimes as required.
• Carry out any other reasonable work within the capabilities of the post holder, including ordering all foodstuffs and consumables for all catering services.

REQUIREMENTS

• Basic computer skills including knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal skills with good oral and written communication.
• Good problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding of risk and conflict management.
• Demonstrated experience of working in a high‑pressured catering operation within tight deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Food safety level 2 or 3.
• Awareness of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
• Awareness of allergen control within catering.

BENEFITS

• A competitive salary.
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• Serco benefits package including cinema, Merlin Entertainment and online shopping discounts, discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
• An autonomous and supportive culture.
• Working in a tight‑knit, friendly team environment.

EEO STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer, supporting fair access to employment for all. We are a disability confident leader employer and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Applicants with unspent criminal convictions are welcomed, subject to the nature of the role and security clearance requirements.