Driver / Kitchen Porter

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking. com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Key Responsibilities / Main Duties

• Delivery and Logistics
• Transport food, beverages, catering supplies, equipment, and other items to and from the Orchard Centre, Boarding Houses, and other School locations as required.
• Collect supplies, goods, and catering provisions from suppliers and external locations as directed.
• Ensure all deliveries and collections are completed efficiently, accurately, and within agreed timescales.
• Load, unload, transport, and store catering stock and equipment using safe manual handling techniques.
• Assist with the transportation, set‑up, and breakdown of equipment and supplies for School functions, hospitality events, and external catering activities.
• Liaise with the Orchard Centre Team regarding deliveries and the distribution of catering items across the School.
• Catering and Operational Support
• Perform a variety of duties associated with food delivery, front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house catering services.
• Assist with the provision of meals, hospitality services, and catering events to the highest standards.
• Support the Catering Team with day‑to‑day operational requirements to ensure the smooth running of the department.
• Receive, check, and store deliveries in accordance with departmental procedures and food safety requirements.
• Assist with light cleaning duties and maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout catering areas.
• Vehicle and Equipment Responsibilities
• Safely drive and operate School catering vehicles in accordance with road traffic legislation and School procedures.
• Maintain the cleanliness, presentation, and basic serviceability of the allocated vehicle.
• Undertake routine vehicle checks and promptly report any faults, defects, damage, or maintenance requirements.
• Ensure all catering equipment is handled, transported, and stored safely and securely.
• Health, Safety and Compliance
• Comply with all Health and Safety Regulations, Food Safety and Hygiene requirements, COSHH Regulations, Fire Safety procedures, and School policies.
• Ensure food is handled, transported, and stored in accordance with food safety legislation and best practice.
• Report hazards, accidents, incidents, defects, and near misses promptly to management.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hygienic working environment at all times.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe systems of work.
• Customer Service and Teamwork
• Provide a professional, courteous, and helpful service to pupils, staff, parents, visitors, contractors, and guests.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Catering Department and wider School community.
• Support the Catering Department in delivering a high‑quality service and maintaining excellent standards at all times.
• General Duties
• Undertake general porterage duties, including the movement of stock, equipment, furniture, and catering supplies.
• Assist with the preparation and clearing of catering and hospitality areas as required.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may reasonably be requested by the Catering Manager or Line Manager.
• Contribute to the efficient and effective operation of the Catering Department and support the achievement of departmental objectives.

Person Specification

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and use initiative to resolve day‑to‑day issues.
• Well organised, methodical, and able to effectively prioritise workload.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with colleagues, pupils, staff, suppliers, and visitors.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work, with a willingness to support different areas of the Catering Department as required.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also being confident working alone.
• Committed to delivering a high‑quality service and maintaining excellent customer care standards.
• Ability to undertake manual handling tasks and porterage duties safely.
• Good understanding of the importance of health, safety, food hygiene, and cleanliness within a catering environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to follow instructions and established procedures accurately.

Essential

• Personal Qualities
• Passionate about delivering a first‑class service to customers and stakeholders.
• Honest, trustworthy, and able to act with integrity at all times.
• Professional in appearance, attitude, and conduct.
• Positive, proactive, and willing to assist colleagues where needed.
• Calm and approachable manner.
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards of work.
• Demonstrates discretion and respects confidentiality.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and overtime to support School events and functions if required
• Physically fit and capable of carrying out the manual handling aspects of the role.
• Commitment to the values, standards, and ethos of Tonbridge School.

Physical Requirements

• Able to undertake regular lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of catering supplies, equipment, and stock in accordance with safe manual handling practices.
• Capable of standing, walking, and carrying out physical duties for extended periods.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Able to safely load and unload vehicles and move equipment across the School site.

Desirable

• Experience of driving vans or commercial vehicles.
• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, delivery, porterage, or customer service environment.
• Basic understanding of manual handling requirements.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or equivalent).
• Knowledge of Food Safety and HACCP principles.
• Experience of working within a school, educational, hospitality, or catering environment.
• Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge.
• Understanding of COSHH and Health & Safety regulations.
• Experience supporting hospitality functions or large‑scale catering operations.
• Equipment Requirements

The post holder will be required to use and/or operate the following equipment safely and responsibly:

• School catering delivery vehicles and vans.
• Trolleys and other manual handling equipment.
• Catering equipment used for the transportation and distribution of food and beverages.
• Temperature monitoring equipment and food transport containers.
• Mobile telephone, radio, or other communication devices as required.
• Cleaning equipment and materials in accordance with COSHH regulations.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, gloves, high‑visibility clothing, and any other equipment required for the role.
• Basic computer systems, email, and electronic record‑keeping systems where required.
• Equipment associated with hospitality functions and events, including tables, chairs, display units, and serving equipment.
• Learning and Development requirements

The post holder will be expected to participate in training and development activities to ensure they maintain the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to perform the role effectively and safely.

This will include

• Completion of the Compass mandatory induction programme.
• Participation in safeguarding training and regular safeguarding updates in line with School requirements.
• Health and Safety training, including manual handling and fire safety training.
• Food Safety and Food Hygiene training appropriate to the role.
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) training.
• Driver safety and vehicle operations training, as required.
• First Aid training (where required by the department).
• Customer service and hospitality training to support the delivery of high standards of service.
• Training in the safe use of catering equipment, cleaning equipment, and any other equipment relevant to the role.
• Participation in departmental meetings, briefings, and refresher training sessions.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and keeping up to date with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and best practice.
• Undertaking any additional training identified through performance reviews, changes in legislation, operational requirements, or School initiatives.

MUST be

• Over the age of 21
• Under the age of 75
• No more than 6 points on their licence
• Not making any profit out of using the vehicle
• Have a UK/EU licence
• Held the licence for more than a year

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues.

Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

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!

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