Kitchen Assistant

Starrycare Recruitment Services; Prestwich; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay rates

Flexible working opportunities

Ongoing training and development

Supportive working environment

Varied client settings

Job summary

Starrycare Recruitment Services is seeking a reliable Kitchen Assistant to support meal preparation and service across client sites in the UK. You will aid the Cook or Chef, maintain high hygiene standards, ensure safety compliance, and help keep the kitchen efficient.

The role involves food preparation, stocking, and clearing duties in fast-paced environments, with emphasis on cleanliness, teamwork, and adherence to safety procedures. Weekend/bank holiday shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and kitchen hygiene practices.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
• Previous experience as Kitchen Assistant or similar catering role is desirable.
• Experience in care homes, hospitals, schools, hotels, or contract catering is an advantage.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety.
• Reliable, organised, and able to follow instructions.
• Flexible to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays where required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of meals, snacks, and beverages as directed by the Cook or Chef.
• Prepare ingredients, wash, peel, chop, and portion food items.
• Serve meals in accordance with dietary, nutritional, cultural, and individual client requirements.
• Wash dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment, and maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment.
• Ensure all work surfaces, storage areas, and equipment are cleaned and sanitised regularly.
• Assist with receiving, checking, storing, and rotating food stock.
• Dispose of waste safely and maintain excellent infection prevention and control standards.
• Follow Food Safety, HACCP, and Health & Safety procedures at all times.
• Report equipment faults, food shortages, or health and safety concerns promptly.
• Support the Cook or Chef during busy meal service periods and carry out other kitchen duties as required.

Skills

Food safety basics

Communication

Teamwork

Cleanliness & hygiene

Fast-paced kitchen work

Flexibility

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2

Right to work in the UK

DBS check willingness

Job description

Overview

Starrycare is seeking a reliable and hardworking Kitchen Assistant to support the preparation and service of high-quality, nutritious meals across our client sites. The successful candidate will assist the Cook or Chef with food preparation, maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, and help ensure the kitchen operates efficiently while meeting food safety and health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of meals, snacks, and beverages as directed by the Cook or Chef.
• Prepare ingredients, wash, peel, chop, and portion food items.
• Serve meals in accordance with dietary, nutritional, cultural, and individual client requirements.
• Wash dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment, and maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment.
• Ensure all work surfaces, storage areas, and equipment are cleaned and sanitised regularly.
• Assist with receiving, checking, storing, and rotating food stock.
• Dispose of waste safely and maintain excellent infection prevention and control standards.
• Follow Food Safety, HACCP, and Health & Safety procedures at all times.
• Report equipment faults, food shortages, or health and safety concerns promptly.
• Support the Cook or Chef during busy meal service periods and carry out other kitchen duties as required.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 (preferred or willingness to obtain).
• Basic knowledge of food safety and kitchen hygiene practices.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
• Previous experience as a Kitchen Assistant, Catering Assistant, or in a similar catering environment is desirable.
• Experience working in care homes, hospitals, schools, hotels, or contract catering is an advantage.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety.
• Reliable, organised, and able to follow instructions.
• Flexible to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays where required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay rates.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Supportive and respectful working environment.
• Opportunity to work across a variety of client settings.