At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in a fast-paced kitchen, ensuring quality food preparation and stock management.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider with a family-oriented culture.
- Benefits: Earn between £11.90 to £13.25 per hour, plus discounts and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Flexible full-time hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values ambition, teamwork, and integrity while making a community impact.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and ability to work efficiently in a kitchen environment.
The predicted salary is between 13.25 - 13.25 £ per hour.
Kitchen Assistant – Spar Annalong, 35 Kilkeel Road, Annalong, Co Down, BT34 4TJ
Job posting closing date: 11.59pm Wednesday 1st July 2026
Pay and benefits
Pay rates ranging from £11.90 to £13.25 per hour depending on your age. Full-time positions available (30‑37.5 hours per week, 4‑5 shifts) working Monday to Saturday, 6am to 6pm, with a degree of flexibility required. Benefits include an attractive pay rate, employee assistance programme, discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company‑owned stores, and many more.
Organisation
Henderson Group is Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider, employing over 6,000 staff. The group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We are an Investors in People accredited, family‑owned group with a culture rooted in Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity.
Role overview
The Kitchen Assistant works in a fast‑paced kitchen environment, assisting with the movement, storage and rotation of goods, packing freshly cooked products, ensuring labels and appearance meet store standards, and supporting the Chef with various tasks.
- Receive goods‑in and ensure all legislative requirements and shelf life specifications are met.
- Implement effective stock rotation practices to reduce wastage.
- Assist Chef and Cook with ingredient preparation.
- Support stock control procedures and ordering.
- Perform kitchen porter duties; keep machines and production areas clean and tidy.
- Store packaging and other items correctly.
- Record any damages or wastage accurately.
- Prepare, clean, adjust and maintain printing equipment.
- Print accurate labeling information (use by date, price, etc.) in compliance with food labelling regulations.
- Ensure sufficient labels are printed for daily production.
- Work across all areas of the department as required, including deli and bakery.
- Perform other duties as required for the role.
Skills for success
Required attributes:
- A flair and enthusiasm for cooking with fresh quality ingredients.
- Ability to deliver at pace, while maintaining high quality of food.
Desirable experience:
- Working in a fresh food production kitchen.
- Working to budgets and/or targets.
- Knowledge of MS Office.
- Experience in a catering and/or hospitality kitchen environment.
Alignment with values
As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with our core values:
- Ambition – always strive to be better.
- Customer First – provide exceptional service, putting customers at the heart of everything.
- Teamwork – succeed together, sharing knowledge and skills.
- Integrity – fair, honest, ethical; treat everyone with dignity and respect and champion diversity.
The reward
You will be part of a business that supports community initiatives such as defibrillator installations and school sports days. We value employee development and invest heavily in our people to help you feel proud of what you do and celebrate your success.
Working hours
Full‑time positions: 30‑37.5 hours per week (4‑5 shifts) Monday to Saturday, 6am to 6pm, with a degree of flexibility required. Shortlisted candidates will discuss working hours and shift patterns in detail at interview.
Application deadline
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Wednesday 1st July 2026.
Contact
Hightown Avenue Mallusk, Newtownabbey BT36 4RT +44 (0)28 9034 2733 human.resources@henderson-group.com
Kitchen Assistant - Annalong employer: Henderson Group
Henderson Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises teamwork, integrity, and customer satisfaction. As a Kitchen Assistant in Annalong, you will benefit from competitive pay rates, flexible working hours, and a comprehensive employee assistance programme, all while being part of a family-owned business that values your growth and contributions. With opportunities for development and a commitment to community initiatives, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment here.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant - Annalong
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Henderson Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Henderson Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Henderson Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant - Annalong
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Henderson Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
