Kitchen Assistant

Airport Retail Enterprises UK Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A family-run airport hospitality business is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support operations at Manchester Airport. The role involves maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, assisting in food preparation, and offering outstanding customer service. Ideal candidates should be enthusiastic team players, willing to learn in a busy kitchen environment. This position offers various benefits including free meals and annual leave. Apply now to join a dynamic team!

Benefits

Free meals while on duty

28 days annual leave

NEST pension

Flexible pay access via Wagestream

Health & wellbeing cash plan

Qualifications

• Outgoing and engaging team player.
• Committed to maintaining high standards in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Assist in ensuring health and safety standards.
• Support the kitchen brigade's operations.
• Control kitchen food stocks and minimize waste.

Skills

Previous kitchen experience

Willingness to learn health and safety

Good communication skills

Strong organisational skills

Ability to follow processes

Job description

BRAND NEW SITE OPENING AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT END OF JANUARY 2026

Overview

We are a family‑run UK business operating food and beverage outlets at airports, creating exceptional experiences for all our customers. We believe airport customers deserve better — we ARE here to delight.

The Role

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Kitchen Assistant at Manchester Airport, working in our outlets to deliver exceptional food and outstanding customer service with a highly trained and motivated team.

As a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll be a reliable, hardworking and enthusiastic team player supporting the kitchen brigade’s day‑to‑day operations while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen.

The Great Northern Market concept at Manchester Airport includes six kitchens, offering a diverse range of cuisines such as fried chicken, smashed burgers, burritos, hand‑stretched pizza, Asian, Greek, and a breakfast menu. The venue has approximately 470 covers and operates from 3 am to 10 pm.

This is an hourly paid role, and shifts may include early morning starts (e.g., 2 am) or late finishes (e.g., the last flight), with no requirement for split or double shifts.

If you’re passionate about hospitality, enjoy working in large teams, and want to develop your kitchen experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Main Duties

• Maintain a high standard of kitchen hygiene and cleanliness.
• Assist in ensuring health and safety and food safety standards are met daily.
• Keep all food preparation areas clean and follow proper cleaning protocols.
• Support in the transportation of food trolley units between our preparation kitchen and market hall.
• Help control kitchen food stocks and minimise waste.
• Ensure the daily cleaning rota is followed and maintained.
• Maintain cleanliness in food preparation areas and ensure adherence to safety and hygiene protocols.

Requirements

We are looking for outgoing and engaging team players who are eager to learn and committed to maintaining high standards in a fast‑paced kitchen environment.

Key Skills and Experience

• Previous kitchen experience (helpful but not essential).
• Willingness to learn about health and safety concerns in a kitchen environment and address or elevate them as needed.
• Good communication skills and the ability to build relationships with team members.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• The ability to follow processes and maintain consistent levels of service.

Our Values and Behaviours (GRIT)

• Curious, passionate and resilient.
• Responsible, hard‑working and keen to help others.
• Willing to show up, be positive and have FUN!

Perks & Benefits

• Free meals while on duty at the site, from the 'Staff Duty Meal' options.
• Tronc (tips and gratuities distribution system) via an elected tronc master.
• 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 32 days.
• NEST pension.
• Wagestream (flexible pay access and multiple discount rewards at retailers).
• Health & wellbeing cash plan, also offering discounts and perks across hundreds of retailers.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and well‑being support from day one.
• Staff referral bonus scheme.

Required Qualifications and Checks

• Provide proof of right to work in the UK.
• Hold an Airport Security ID Pass, which we will assist with. The application process requires production of a valid passport, a criminal record check, and five years of personal and employment references.

Equal Opportunities

At ARE Ltd, we recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a truly remarkable experience for all our customers. Our commitment extends beyond retail to building a workforce that reflects the wide array of perspectives and experiences found across the UK. We believe that embracing diversity in our teams enables us to provide exceptional service and innovation.

We are dedicated to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, with a strong commitment to promoting equity in both physical and mental health for everyone. To achieve this, we encourage applications from individuals of disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ community members, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and those with lived experiences of discrimination.

Accessibility and Adjustments

ARE Ltd is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We strive to be as accommodating as possible to ensure all candidates can participate fully. If you have specific requirements or need adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. In your application, feel free to indicate your preferred pronouns (for example – she / her / hers, he / him / his, they / them / theirs, etc.) to help us better address and respect your identity throughout the process.