At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen porter team in a fast-paced student environment.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer in Central London.
- Benefits: Earn £15.80 - £16 per hour, enjoy free meals, and celebrate with fun parties.
- Other info: Be part of a certified B Corp with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant kitchen while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Kitchen Porter and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 16 £ per hour.
- HEAD KITCHEN PORTER
- Houston & Hawkes | Central London | £15.80 - £16 per hour | 40 hours per week | 5 out of 7
A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Kitchen Porter to take the lead behind the scenes within a vibrant, fast-paced student environment where great food, strong teamwork and exceptional standards matter every day.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for a confident, organised and hands-on Head Kitchen Porter to lead the kitchen porter team at one of our busy Central London locations.
With a lively food operation serving a large student community, this is a role for someone who enjoys pace, takes real pride in standards and knows how to keep a busy kitchen running smoothly.
You will be an important part of the wider culinary team, organising the daily kitchen porter operation, supporting the chefs and making sure the kitchen, equipment and back-of-house areas are always clean, safe, organised and ready for service.
THE ROLE
- Lead and organise the kitchen porter team across a busy 5 out of 7 operation
- Allocate daily duties and make sure the team is prepared for each service
- Keep the kitchen, wash-up, storage and back-of-house areas exceptionally clean and organised
- Ensure pots, pans, crockery, utensils and kitchen equipment are cleaned and available when needed
- Support the chefs and wider culinary team during busy preparation and service periods
- Receive deliveries and ensure products are stored safely and correctly
- Maintain organised waste, recycling and storage areas
- Monitor cleaning materials and support stock control and ordering
- Train and support new kitchen porters, setting clear standards from day one
- Maintain excellent communication between the kitchen porter team, chefs and management
- Ensure cleaning schedules and daily tasks are completed consistently
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, COSHH and health and safety compliance
- Lead by example and remain hands‑on throughout the operation
- WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Previous experience as a Head Kitchen Porter, Senior Kitchen Porter or experienced Kitchen Porter ready to step into a leadership role
- Experience within a busy contract catering, university, hotel, restaurant or high-volume food operation would be highly desirable
- A positive, energetic and hands‑on leadership style
- Excellent organisation and the confidence to coordinate a busy team
- Strong standards of cleanliness, hygiene and attention to detail
- Good knowledge of COSHH, food safety and health and safety procedures
- The ability to remain calm, organised and reliable during busy services
- Good communication skills and a genuine team mentality
- The confidence to train, support and motivate others
- Pride in maintaining an exceptional working environment for the entire kitchen team
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- £15.80 - £16 per hour depending on experience
- 40 hours per week
- 5 out of 7 working pattern
- Birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership
- Ongoing training, development and genuine opportunities to progress
- Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London’s outstanding venues
- ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
At Houston & Hawkes, exceptional kitchens are built by exceptional teams, and the people working behind the scenes are every bit as important as the people at the pass.
We're an award-winning independent caterer creating fresh, vibrant food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK’s most impressive workplaces and education environments.
We're a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality.
If you're an experienced Kitchen Porter who is ready to lead a team, take ownership and become an important part of a busy, high‑performing kitchen, we'd love to hear from you.
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Head Kitchen Porter in City of Westminster employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London where creativity and passion for food thrive. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive team environment that values exceptional customer service and innovation. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that takes pride in delivering premium experiences while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most exciting cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Kitchen Porter in City of Westminster
✨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 Houston & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 Head Kitchen Porter in City of Westminster
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 Houston & Hawkes 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 Houston & Hawkes
✨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!
