Senior Kitchenhand

Yrjt Limited; Foxton Beach; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Yrjt Limited in Palmerston North is seeking an experienced Senior Kitchenhand to join our busy kitchen team. This full-time role requires a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week and involves substantial food preparation alongside our cooks.

You will prepare ingredients, house-made sauces and other components for daily service, ensuring accuracy, freshness and efficient workflow. Ideal candidates have 6+ months in a commercial kitchen and strong hygiene knowledge.

Qualifications

• 6+ months in a commercial kitchen or similar food prep environment.
• Ability to follow recipes, measurements and portion specs accurately.
• Basic food prep and pre-cook techniques knowledge.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene, safe handling and cross-contamination prevention.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meat, seafood and vegetables for cooking according to prep specs.
• Prepare house-made sauces, marinades, dressings and seasoning mixtures.
• Assist cooks with dish prep and pre-cooking processes.
• Measure, weigh and portion ingredients accurately per recipes.
• Carry out preliminary cooking processes as directed by cooks.
• Organise ingredients for each service period for smooth service.
• Check ingredients for freshness and correct portioning before cooking station.
• Monitor and replenish sauces and components during service.
• Assist with receiving deliveries and check freshness.
• Rotate and store raw and prepared ingredients per stock rotation.
• Monitor stock levels and report shortages.
• Guide junior kitchenhands on prep procedures, hygiene and safe equipment use.
• Maintain hygiene standards in prep areas and equipment.

Skills

Food preparation

Recipe following

Time management

Kitchen teamwork

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Kitchenhand to join our busy kitchen team in Palmerston North. This is a full-time position requiring a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week.

Unlike an entry-level kitchenhand position, this role involves substantial food preparation responsibilities and requires the employee to work closely with our cooks in preparing ingredients, house-made sauces and other food components for daily service.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepare meat, seafood and vegetables for cooking, including cutting, trimming, portioning and marinating ingredients according to the kitchen's preparation specifications.
• Prepare house-made sauces, marinades, dressings, seasoning mixtures and other food components by following established recipes and specified measurements.
• Assist cooks with the preparation of dishes by completing assigned preparation and pre-cooking processes before service.
• Measure, weigh and portion ingredients accurately according to recipes and required serving quantities.
• Carry out preliminary food preparation and cooking processes, including blanching, boiling, steaming, frying and reheating ingredients as directed by the cooks.
• Prepare and organise ingredients and food components required for each service period to ensure cooks have the necessary items readily available.
• Check prepared ingredients for freshness, quality and correct portioning before they are provided to the cooking station.
• Monitor prepared ingredients and replenish sauces, marinades and other food components during service to maintain an efficient workflow.
• Assist with receiving food supplies and check the quantity, condition and freshness of delivered ingredients before storage.
• Rotate and store raw and prepared ingredients appropriately in accordance with food safety requirements and stock rotation procedures.
• Monitor ingredient and kitchen supply levels and report shortages or replenishment requirements to the cook or manager.
• Provide practical guidance to junior or newly appointed kitchenhands on food preparation procedures, kitchen routines, hygiene requirements and safe use of kitchen equipment.
• Maintain food preparation areas, cooking equipment, utensils and storage areas to the required hygiene and food safety standards.
• Assist cooks and other kitchen staff during busy service periods to ensure food preparation is completed accurately and on time.

Requirements

• At least 6 months of relevant work experience in a commercial kitchen or similar food preparation environment.
• Ability to accurately follow recipes, measurements, portion specifications and food preparation instructions.
• Practical knowledge of basic food preparation and pre-cooking techniques.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene, safe food handling, temperature control and prevention of cross-contamination.
• Ability to organise preparation work efficiently and work independently under the direction of cooks.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced commercial kitchen.
• Good physical fitness and ability to undertake standing, lifting and repetitive kitchen duties.
• Reliability and flexibility to work rostered shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.