Kitchen Assistant

Cosmo Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

On-the-job training and opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

COSMO Southampton is seeking a reliable Kitchen Assistant to join our kitchen team. You will assist with food preparation, maintain a clean kitchen, and help ensure all duties run smoothly under supervision of senior staff.

You will work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on food safety, cleanliness, and efficiency, and you’ll have opportunities for on-the-job training and career development.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a kitchen or food service is preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow instructions and work well under pressure.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong team player with a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills and willingness to learn.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant schedules.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation, including washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients.
• Support chefs in preparing ingredients and assisting in cooking tasks.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are maintained.
• Clean and sanitize work surfaces, floors, and equipment.
• Help manage stock levels and proper storage of ingredients.
• Label and store ingredients to ensure freshness and compliance with safety regulations.
• Dispose of kitchen waste properly and maintain an orderly environment.
• Assist with daily specials and setting up for service.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Follow instructions under pressure

Food safety knowledge

Organization and detail

Team player

Communication and learning

Flexibility for shifts

Job description

At COSMO Authentic World Kitchen, we don’t just serve food—we’ve redefined the dining experience. As the pioneers of the world buffet concept, we’ve been setting the standard in global dining since 2003. Recognised as the Best Restaurant in 100 Brands by the Savanta Brand Vue Survey, we’ve grown into a household name across the UK and Ireland, with a legacy built on innovation and excellence.

About the Role

We are looking for a reliable Kitchen Assistant to support our kitchen team. In this role, you will assist in food preparation, maintaining a clean kitchen, and ensuring that all kitchen duties run smoothly. You will work under the supervision of senior kitchen staff to ensure the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation, including washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients.
• Support chefs in preparing ingredients and assisting in cooking tasks as required.
• Ensure that food safety and hygiene standards are maintained at all times.
• Take responsibility for cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces, floors, and equipment.
• Help manage stock levels, ensuring that ingredients are properly stored and organized.
• Assist with basic food storage and labelling to ensure freshness and compliance with food safety regulations.
• Ensure proper disposal of kitchen waste and maintain an orderly environment.
• Help with the preparation of daily specials and assist in setting up for service.
• Work closely with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service and efficient kitchen operations.

Key Requirements

• Previous experience in a kitchen or food service environment is preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow instructions and work well under pressure.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain a clean workspace.
• Strong team player with a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills and willingness to learn.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant schedules.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• On-the-job training and opportunities for career development.
• A supportive and team-oriented work environment.

If you are motivated and eager to learn in a fast-paced kitchen environment, we would love to hear from you!