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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and cook delicious food while keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
- Company: J D Wetherspoon is a UK Top Employer known for its award-winning training programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Perfect for those who love teamwork and want to learn in a fun, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just bring a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with potential for guaranteed hours and career advancement.
Job Ref 646040
Job Title Kitchen staff
Pub The Exchange, Banbury
Salary £12.41
Closing Date 06-02-2026
The ideal applicant
We’re looking for fun, enthusiastic, passionate people to join our hard-working teams. No experience is needed, just a good attitude, a willingness to learn and a calm head under pressure. As a UK Top Employer with an award-winning training programme, we know that we can teach you the skills you’ll need to succeed.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term career or just some extra shifts, if you’re reliable, friendly and love working as part of a team – this role could be perfect for you.
What’s in it for you?
- competitive rate of pay
- a free meal and a drink, when working
- 20% discount on all food, drinks and hotel accommodation (for you and up to three guests), when not working
- £1 extra per hour, for hours worked during midnight-5.59am
- bonus scheme – earn up to 19% of your pay
- availability of guaranteed-hours contracts and variable-hours contracts
- paid holiday
- free shares (after a qualifying period)
- loyalty reward scheme
The role
At a glance, your role is to work as part of a team to prepare and cook food and to help to keep the kitchen running smoothly, all while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety and customer service.
Our pubs open early and close late, so we offer great flexibility with shift patterns, including mornings, evenings, weekends and late finishes.
Duties Include
- preparing, cooking and presenting food to the correct spec
- operating kitchen work stations, including grills, fryers, microwaves and more
- working as a team to keep to time and quality targets
- following food hygiene and allergen, as well as health and safety, standards
- cleaning as you go, including full kitchen clean-downs
- rotating stock and storing food safely
- completing required induction, role-specific and ongoing refresher training and contributing to continuous improvement
Progression and development
Most Wetherspoon team leaders and managers started in the kitchen or behind the bar.
If you’re looking to progress, we can support your development with:
- structured on-the-job training.
- apprenticeships and management academies.
- cross-training into other areas (bar, floor, hotel).
- opportunities to move into team-leader, kitchen-shift-leader and/or pub-manager roles.
Wetherspoon promotes an inclusive working environment where everyone is welcome.
When you’re at work, we want you to feel comfortable being yourself. Whatever your background, preferences or beliefs, we’ll ensure that you have the skills and knowledge you need for a great career with us.
Under-18s may attract a lower rate of pay, always in line with, but usually above, national guidelines.
If a high number of applications is received, this vacancy may close early.
Read more about our kitchen associate role
Hours Per Week
12
- Monday: Flexible
- Tuesday: Flexible
- Wednesday: Flexible
- Thursday: Flexible
- Friday: Flexible
- Saturday: Flexible
- Sunday: Flexible
Apply
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Kitchen staff employer: J D Wetherspoon
Contact Detail:
J D Wetherspoon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen staff
✨Tip Number 1
Show your enthusiasm! When you meet the team or during any informal chats, let your passion for food and teamwork shine through. A positive attitude can make a big difference in how you're perceived.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Wetherspoon's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and teamwork will help you align your responses and show that you're a good fit for their environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility. Since the role involves various shifts, highlighting your availability and willingness to work during busy times can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Ask questions about training and development opportunities. Showing interest in learning and growing within the company demonstrates your long-term commitment and eagerness to succeed.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Enthusiasm: In your application, express your enthusiasm for the role. Mention why you want to work in a kitchen environment and how you enjoy being part of a team.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Even if you lack direct experience, highlight any transferable skills you have. This could include teamwork, communication, or time management skills that are relevant to the kitchen staff role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Emphasise your willingness to learn and adapt, as well as any previous roles where you demonstrated reliability and a positive attitude.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that complements your CV. Use it to elaborate on your passion for the hospitality industry and your eagerness to contribute to the team at J D Wetherspoon.
How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Since the role requires fun and passionate individuals, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the job during the interview. Share why you want to work in a kitchen environment and how you enjoy being part of a team.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
Even if you lack experience, emphasise your eagerness to learn new skills. Mention any relevant experiences where you've quickly picked up new tasks or adapted to new environments, as this will resonate well with the employer.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
The kitchen staff role is all about teamwork. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before, whether in previous jobs, school projects, or even sports. This will show that you can contribute positively to their team dynamic.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to food hygiene, safety standards, and how you would handle pressure in a busy kitchen. Brush up on basic kitchen knowledge and be ready to discuss how you would maintain cleanliness and efficiency under stress.
