Kitchen Porter/Assistant

Holroyd Howe; Oxford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Holroyd Howe in Oxford is seeking a reliable Kitchen Porter/Assistant to support our busy kitchen team in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, prep, and service.

You will wash dishes, prepare vegetables, restock supplies, handle waste, and assist with safe food storage. We value accuracy, pace, and teamwork. This role requires flexibility for early shifts and weekends and a commitment to food safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a kitchen or hospitality setting (preferred).
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards is essential.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Physical stamina to stand and move for extended periods.
• Excellent time management and reliability.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to obtain Food Safety Certificate (preferred).
• Basic knowledge of kitchen equipment operation and food preparation techniques (preferred).
• Flexibility to work early shifts and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas, including washing, sanitizing, and storing dishes, cookware, and utensils according to food safety standards.
• Assist with basic food preparation tasks, including washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables and other ingredients as directed by kitchen staff.
• Organize and restock kitchen supplies to ensure items are readily available.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Manage waste disposal and recycling procedures in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate food storage temperatures and conditions.
• Assist with food delivery and inventory management tasks.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff to ensure smooth workflow and timely task completion.
• Adhere to all food safety protocols and company hygiene standards.
• Perform additional kitchen support duties as assigned by kitchen management.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food safety knowledge

Fast-paced work

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Time management

Teamwork & communication

Flexibility with shifts

Job description

Holroyd Howe is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Kitchen Porter/Assistant to join our team in Oxford, United Kingdom. In this role, you will be an essential part of our kitchen operations, supporting our culinary team in maintaining the highest standards of food preparation, hygiene, and service. The ideal candidate will be organized, efficient, and committed to delivering exceptional support in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas, including washing, sanitizing, and storing dishes, cookware, and utensils according to food safety standards
• Assist with basic food preparation tasks, including washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables and other ingredients as directed by kitchen staff
• Support the culinary team by organizing and restocking kitchen supplies, ensuring all necessary items are readily available
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, following all operational guidelines
• Manage waste disposal and recycling procedures in compliance with health and safety regulations
• Monitor and maintain appropriate food storage temperatures and conditions
• Assist with food delivery and inventory management tasks
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff to ensure smooth workflow and timely task completion
• Adhere to all food safety protocols and company hygiene standards at all times
• Perform additional kitchen support duties as assigned by kitchen management

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in a kitchen or hospitality environment (preferred)
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Physical stamina and ability to stand for extended periods
• Excellent time management and reliability
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with kitchen staff
• Food Safety Certificate or willingness to obtain one (preferred)
• Basic knowledge of kitchen equipment operation and food preparation techniques (preferred)
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including early mornings and weekends as required

Additional Information

We pride ourselves on:

People first

We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.

Great food, always

Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.

Food education

We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.

Respect in everything we do

Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.

Fresh thinking

New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.

In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.

Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment.

All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity.

It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information.

This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.

This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.