Kitchen Assistant - Bank Staff

East Sussex College Group; Hastings; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

East Sussex College Group in Hastings is seeking a Sessional Kitchen Assistant to join the catering team on a flexible, ad hoc basis. The role covers periods of absence and seasonal demand across our catering facilities, offering valuable experience in a busy educational environment.

The position involves food preparation, service, routine kitchen duties, stock handling, and strong emphasis on cleanliness and food safety.

Qualifications

• Previous catering/hospitality experience is desirable but not essential.
• Flexibility to cover ad hoc and short-notice shifts.
• Positive, proactive approach and ability to work as part of a team.
• Understanding of food hygiene and health & safety requirements.
• Empathy and appreciation for working in an educational environment.
• Food hygiene certificate or catering-related qualification is advantageous but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and service of food and beverages.
• Support day-to-day running of kitchen and catering areas.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety.
• Wash dishes, utensils and kitchen equipment.
• Receive, store and rotate stock per food safety procedures.
• Provide excellent customer service to students, staff and visitors.
• Support wider catering team with ad hoc and short-notice cover shifts.

Skills

Catering experience

Flexible/ad hoc work

Teamwork

Food hygiene knowledge

Educational environment awareness

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

• Are you looking for flexible, ad hoc work that fits around other commitments?
  Do you enjoy working as part of a busy team and helping to deliver an excellent catering service?

  We're looking for reliable and enthusiastic individuals to join our Catering team as Sessional Kitchen Assistants. This role provides flexible, ad hoc work to cover periods of absence, increased demand and seasonal requirements across our catering facilities. It is ideal for individuals seeking casual work within a supportive and friendly environment.

  This exciting role will include:

• Assisting with the preparation and service of food and beverages
• Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen and catering areas
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety
• Washing dishes, utensils and kitchen equipment
• Receiving, storing and rotating stock in line with food safety procedures
• Providing excellent customer service to students, staff and visitors
• Supporting the wider catering team with ad hoc and short-notice cover shifts

• If you can demonstrate the following, then we'd love to hear from you:

• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality or food service environment (desirable but not essential)
• Flexibility and reliability to support ad hoc and cover shifts
• A positive, proactive approach and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• An understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements
• Empathy and an appreciation for working within an educational environment
• A Food Hygiene Certificate or catering-related qualification would be advantageous, but is not essential

• This is a great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in a busy catering environment while enjoying the flexibility of sessional work.

• Closing date: Sunday 1st November 2026
• Interview Date: Rolling

College location: Based at our Hastings Campuses - Station Plaza & Ore Valley.

Annual salary: £15.07per hour including holiday rate.

(Subject to qualifications, skills and experience)

Hours: Variable Hours

In return, we can offer you:

A competitive FE salary, generous annual leave & pension, access to funded teaching qualifications, apprenticeships and a range of other training courses to support career development, as well as many other benefits.

For any queries or to arrange an appointment to chat informally about the role please email [e-mail]. Please note we are unable to accept CVs in place of an application under our obligations for Keeping Children Safe in Education.

OTHER INFORMATION:

East Sussex College is a values-driven Further Education college with over 1,300 colleagues and 5,500 students across campuses in Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, and Newhaven. We offer a wide range of programmes including A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses, higher education, and adult learning.

Our ESC PROUD Values: Positivity – Respect – Opportunity – Unity – Diversity

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles require enhanced DBS checks and eligibility to work in the UK.

We are also committed to making our recruitment process accessible for all candidates. If you require adjustments or support to fully engage with any aspect of the process, please contact People Services at [e-mail] and we will be happy to facilitate reasonable adaptations.

At East Sussex College, we celebrate individuality and strive for an inclusive, equitable workplace. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including Black and minority ethnic communities, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Please note: Applications may be shortlisted on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.