Kitchen Assistant

Smart10 Ltd; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering company based in Hatching Green is seeking a dedicated food preparation team member. Responsibilities include stock management, food preparation, and maintaining hygiene standards. The ideal candidate has attention to detail and previous experience in a catering environment. This role requires teamwork and the ability to work under pressure, presenting food to high standards.

Qualifications

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills.
• Previous experience in food preparation in a corporate or retail setting.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily temperature checks and effective stock monitoring.
• Prepare ingredients — washing, peeling, cutting produce.
• Clean and maintain kitchen appliances and utensils.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Literacy

Numeracy

Job description

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily temperature checks and ensure effective stock monitoring and control.

• Follow correct opening and closing procedures to support the smooth running of daily service.

• Stock and replenish the hot cupboard and bar display (cakes and pastries).

• Receive and unload fresh deliveries, organising and maintaining the stock room.

• Prepare ingredients — including washing, peeling, and cutting produce — using correct knife skills.

• Monitor sell-by dates and ensure proper stock rotation.

• Check and maintain correct labelling, packaging, and storage of all food items.

• Apply portion control, minimise food wastage, and re-purpose items where appropriate.

• Clean and maintain kitchen appliances, ovens, pans, dishes, and utensils.

• Keep all kitchen sections tidy, organised, and compliant with hygiene standards.

• Participate in scheduled deep cleans of the kitchen as required.

• Ensure all food is cooked and served at the correct temperatures and within required timeframes.

• Operate, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment including the Mixer, Rational Oven, and Dishwasher.

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of table service and front-of-house (FOH) standards.

• Comply with all company policies and procedures, including Fire Safety, Health & Safety, and Food Hygiene regulations.

• Report any maintenance issues, accidents, or incidents promptly to the Head Chef.

Person Specification / Requirements

• Exceptional attention to detail with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• High personal presentation standards — must wear the uniform and appropriate non-slip footwear at all times.

• Demonstrated teamwork, organisational, and planning skills, ideally within a hospitality or catering environment.

• Sound understanding of basic hygiene and food safety requirements.

• Previous experience in food preparation and production in a corporate or retail catering setting.

• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet service deadlines.

• Able to follow instructions accurately and consistently.

• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn and support team objectives.

• Physically able to move tables, chairs, and equipment as required.

• Willingness to undertake relevant training as needed.

• Independently decorate and garnish dishes, maintaining presentation standards.

• Assist in the preparation and production of event catering under the direction of the Head Chef or Sous Chef.

• Perform waitressing or front-of-house duties as requested by the Head Chef or Bar Manager.