School Kitchen Assistant

Compass Group UK; Uckfield; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK&I, is seeking a motivated Kitchen Assistant to join our team on a part-time basis (22.5 hours per week). This role is contracted for 42.6 weeks per year, supporting the provision of nutritious meals and a safe kitchen environment.

You will work as part of a dedicated team, delivering high standards of food quality, cleanliness, and brand representation while adhering to food handling, hygiene, and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Be an excellent team player and contribute positively to the kitchen team.
• Ability to manage pressure and prioritise tasks during peak times.
• Clear and respectful communication with colleagues and supervisors at all levels.
• Demonstrated organisational skills and reliability in a fast-paced environment.
• Punctuality and consistent timekeeping are essential for shift work.

Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
• Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness of the kitchen and surrounding areas
• Ensuring the correct use of all machinery and equipment
• Assisting with the loading or unloading of deliveries and supply vehicles
• Representing Chartwells and maintaining a positive brand image
• Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
• Complying with Health & Safety regulations

Skills

Team player

Pressure management

Effective communication

Organised

Timekeeping

Job description

We're looking for a motivated and passionate Kitchen Assistant who will be the heart of our operation for Chartwells on a part time basis, contracted to 22.5 hours per week. You'll join a team that takes a real pride in what they do, in their food, in their brand but most of all pride in their people. You'll get given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Please note: This role is contracted to 42.6 weeks per year

Could you bring your spark to Chartwells? Here's what you need to know before applying:

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
• Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness of the kitchen and surrounding areas
• Ensuring the correct use of all machinery and equipment
• Assisting with the loading or unloading of deliveries and supply vehicles
• Representing Chartwells and maintaining a positive brand image
• Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
• Complying with Health & Safety regulations

Our ideal Kitchen Assistant will:

• Demonstrate an ability to manage pressure, prioritise tasks and communicate effectively at all levels
• Be an excellent team player
• Have a committed and organised approach
• Have a desire to succeed in your role
• Possess the ability to work under pressure
• Be flexible to work shifts
• Demonstrate Exceptional timekeeping and reliability

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children’s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Job Reference: com/1808/72794001/52828133/BU #State Schools

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!