Kitchen Team Assistant

The NICI Lymington; South Baddesley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rates plus service charge

Meals on duty

Staff discounts

Training and development opportunities

Career progression within a growing h

Supportive team environment

Job summary

The NICI Collection is seeking a Kitchen Porter to join our busy kitchen team. This hands-on role supports chefs, keeps the kitchen clean, and helps ensure smooth service across shifts.

No prior kitchen experience is needed; your attitude and willingness to work hard are valued. Expect to work in a fast-paced hospitality environment with meals on duty and staff discounts as part of a growing group.

Qualifications

• No prior kitchen experience required; your attitude matters most.
• Reliable and punctual in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Able to work as part of a team across shifts and duties.
• Organised and able to prioritise tasks in a busy setting.
• Willing to carry out physical tasks and stand for long periods.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Keep kitchen and back‑of‑house areas clean and orderly.
• Wash pots, pans, plates, utensils and equipment during service.
• Return clean equipment to correct areas and prep for use.
• Assist chefs and colleagues with practical tasks at busy times.
• Help with deliveries and stock movement in the kitchen and stores.
• Maintain tidy fridges and storage areas; manage waste per procedures.
• Report any damage or maintenance needs for equipment.
• Support the team to prepare for service and close down shifts.

Skills

Reliability

Energetic

Team player

Organised

Physical tasks

Flexible shifts

Job description

About THE NICI Collection

THE NICI Collection is a growing hospitality group creating distinctive hotels and destinations across some of the UK's most sought-after coastal and countryside locations.

Our collection began with THE NICI Bournemouth and has since grown to include THE NICI Newquay and THE NICI New Forest, with further growth planned.

We are passionate about creating places where great food, relaxed service and memorable guest experiences come together. Behind every successful service is a team of people working hard to make it happen — and our kitchen teams are a huge part of that.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Kitchen Team Assistantto become part of our kitchen team.

This is a practical, hands-on position where you'll help keep the kitchen moving throughout the day. From ensuring equipment is ready for service to keeping work areas clean and organised, you'll provide essential support to our chefs and help the team deliver a smooth service.

It's a busy environment, so we're looking for someone who isn't afraid to get stuck in, can keep up with the pace and takes pride in doing things properly.

Your Day-to-Day

You could be involved in a variety of tasks across the kitchen, including:

• Keeping the kitchen, wash-up areas and back-of-house spaces clean and in good order.
• Cleaning pots, pans, plates, utensils and other equipment throughout service.
• Ensuring clean equipment is returned to the correct areas and is ready for use.
• Helping chefs and other kitchen colleagues with practical tasks during busy periods.
• Assisting with deliveries and moving stock safely around the kitchen and storage areas.
• Keeping fridges, stores and other working areas tidy.
• Emptying bins and dealing with kitchen waste in line with our procedures.
• Carrying out regular cleaning duties and helping with deeper cleaning when required.
• Looking after kitchen equipment and reporting any damage, faults or maintenance concerns.
• Helping the team get ready for service and completing end-of-shift duties.
• Following all food safety, hygiene, health and safety procedures.
• Supporting colleagues wherever needed to keep the kitchen operating effectively.

What Makes a Great Kitchen Porter?

You don't need previous professional kitchen experience to join us. What matters most is your attitude and willingness to work hard.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Reliable and punctual.
• Energetic and happy working in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable working on their feet and carrying out physical tasks.
• Organised and able to prioritise their workload.
• A team player who is willing to help others.
• Proud of maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
• Positive, approachable and keen to learn.
• Able to follow instructions and work safely.
• Flexible to work different shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Previous experience in a kitchen, restaurant, hotel or similar environment would be an advantage, but it's not essential. Full training will be provided.

What We Offer

• Competitive rates of pay plus service charge.
• Meals on duty.
• Staff discounts across THE NICI Collection.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to progress your career within a growing hospitality group.
• A supportive team environment where you can learn from experienced hospitality professionals.

Become Part of the Team

A great kitchen depends on every member of the team doing their part.

If you're hardworking, dependable and looking for an opportunity to get into hospitality or develop your existing experience, we'd love to hear from you.

Compensation: To be discussed