Kitchen Assistant

Aspire Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Aspire Recruitment is seeking a Kitchen Assistant in Manchester City Centre to support busy kitchens with cleaning, basic food prep and stock handling. Expect circa 8am–4pm shifts, around £13.56 per hour on a temporary, ad hoc basis, with training provided.

You will maintain hygiene, follow safety procedures, assist chefs and hospitality teams, and help create a welcoming environment for students, staff and guests. No formal qualifications required; reliable, flexible team players are preferred.

Qualifications

• Basic hygiene and safe working practices understood.
• Awareness of food safety and customer service importance.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in busy environments.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Positive, reliable and flexible approach to work.
• Comfortable supporting kitchen and wider hospitality operations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across kitchens, food preparation areas, storage spaces and hospitality environments.
• Clean catering equipment, utensils, crockery and kitchen machinery.
• Ensure floors, work surfaces, walls and waste areas meet hygiene standards.
• Set up and clear down kitchen and service areas.
• Assist with safe operation and cleaning of catering equipment.
• Follow all food safety, hygiene, allergen and health & safety procedures.
• Report food safety or maintenance concerns promptly.
• Complete cleaning schedules and records.
• Receive, check and store deliveries following stock rotation.
• Assist with stock movement, replenishment and waste management.
• Undertake basic food preparation tasks where trained.
• Support teams during busy periods.
• Collaborate with chefs and colleagues in a positive, professional manner.
• Contribute to a welcoming environment for customers and visitors.
• Use cleaning products and equipment responsibly for sustainability.

Skills

Hygiene

Cleaning

Food safety

Teamwork

Communication

Following instructions

Attention to detail

Reliability

Flexibility

Customer service

Organisation

Willingness to learn

Job description

Kitchen Assistant

£13.56 per hour

Approx. 8am – 4pm (subject to change)

Temporary, Ad Hoc

Manchester City Centre locations

Overall job purpose

To provide essential operational support within kitchen environments by maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety across kitchens, food preparation areas and hospitality environments. The role supports catering teams through effective cleaning, stock handling, porterage and basic food preparation, ensuring safe, efficient and welcoming food service for students, staff, visitors and guests.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across kitchens, food preparation areas, storage spaces and hospitality environments.
• Clean catering equipment, utensils, crockery, cutlery and kitchen machinery in line with operational procedures.
• Ensure floors, work surfaces, walls and waste areas meet required hygiene standards.
• Set up and clear down kitchen and service areas before and after service.
• Assist with the safe operation and cleaning of catering equipment following training.
• Follow all food safety, hygiene, allergen and health & safety procedures.
• Report any food safety, equipment or maintenance concerns promptly.
• Support completion of cleaning schedules and associated records.
• Receive, check and safely store deliveries, following stock rotation procedures.
• Assist with stock movement, replenishment and waste management, including recycling and sustainability initiatives.
• Undertake basic food preparation tasks where trained and authorised.
• Support catering and hospitality teams during busy operational periods.
• Work collaboratively with chefs, hospitality teams and colleagues, demonstrating a positive, professional and flexible approach.
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for customers, colleagues and visitors.
• Use cleaning products and equipment responsibly, supporting sustainability objectives.

Candidate requirements

• Basic understanding of hygiene, cleaning and safe working practices.
• Awareness of food safety and the importance of customer service.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in busy environments.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Positive, reliable and flexible approach to work.
• Comfortable supporting both kitchen and wider hospitality operations.
• No formal qualifications required; full training provided.