Kitchen Assistant - Staff Food

Staff Food; Castle Cary; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A catering service provider in Castle Cary is looking for a Kitchen Assistant. You will support food preparation and maintain kitchen hygiene while contributing to meals served for approximately 500 employees. The position offers up to £12.48 per hour, with many added perks including gym access and wellness classes, ensuring a supportive workplace atmosphere alongside a focus on teamwork and quality standards.

Benefits

Complimentary use of gym and wellness classes

Discount at estate shops and online

Complimentary staff meal each shift

Recognition programme with rewards

Team engagement activities

Qualifications

• Flexible and reliable team player with a positive attitude.
• Experience in a catering environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and carry out basic cooking as directed.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across kitchen areas.
• Follow food safety and health & safety protocols.
• Assist with opening/closing routines and cleaning schedules.

Skills

Team player

Good communication skills

Strong work ethic

Positive attitude

Comfortable with food preparation

Commitment to hygiene

Education

Food Safety qualification (desirable)

Job description

Overview

Kitchen Assistant

Up to £12.48ph for over 21s, plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits

24 hours per week across 3 days (7:00–15:30), working 1 weekend in 3

Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role

Be part of a warm kitchen family, preparing nourishing meals from the heart of our estate.

Our Kitchen Assistant

You’ll join our Staff Food team, helping to prepare tasty, nourishing meals for our colleagues while keeping our kitchens spotless and efficient. From food prep to basic cooking and pot-wash support, you’ll be a calm, reliable presence who loves teamwork, high standards, and a busy service done right. You’ll contribute to meals served daily for our ~500 employees across two canteens, ensuring safety, hygiene, and consistency at every step.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and carry out basic cooking for staff meals as directed by chefs
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness and hygiene across all kitchen areas, equipment, and workstations
• Follow food safety and health & safety protocols at all times
• Provide flexible support across food prep and pot-wash areas as needed
• Work collaboratively within the kitchen to deliver consistent quality and standards
• Uphold efficiency, organisation, and safe working practices during service
• Assist with opening/closing routines and daily cleaning schedules
• Communicate effectively with chefs and teammates to keep service flowing

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including Fun Squad events, which include activities such as Go-Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we’re looking for

• Flexible, reliable team player with a positive attitude and good communication skills
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Comfortable supporting both food preparation and pot-wash
• Commitment to high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and safety
• Previous experience in a catering environment (desirable)
• Food Safety qualification (desirable; full training provided)

Where you’ll be working

The Staff Food team provides fresh, seasonal, and nutritious meals for approximately 500 employees across two canteens. The department operates staff canteens at both locations, ensuring consistent quality and service standards. The team works collaboratively to deliver daily staff meals that support employee wellbeing and maintain smooth kitchen operations, with a focus on hygiene, safety, and efficiency.

Who we are — The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt\'s essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR