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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 top UK 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 a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with potential for guaranteed hours and career advancement.
Overview
Job Ref 646269
Job Title Kitchen staff
Pub The Four Candles, Oxford
Salary £12.55
Closing Date 09-02-2026
Vacancy Description
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
Role and responsibilities
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.
- 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
Hours Per Week 16
Monday Hours Flexible
Tuesday Hours Flexible
Wednesday Hours Flexible
Thursday Hours Flexible
Friday Hours Flexible
Saturday Hours Flexible
Sunday Hours 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 get the chance to speak with someone from the team, whether it's during a casual chat or an interview, let your passion for working in a kitchen shine through. A positive attitude can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared to discuss your teamwork skills. Since this role involves working closely with others, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with a team, even if it was in a different setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene and safety standards. Even if you haven't worked in a kitchen before, showing that you understand the importance of these practices will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Ask questions about the training programme. Since Wetherspoon offers an award-winning training programme, expressing interest in how they support new staff can show your eagerness to learn and grow within the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Enthusiasm: In your application, express your passion for working in a kitchen environment. Highlight your willingness to learn and your ability to work well under pressure, as these are key traits that J D Wetherspoon is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Even if you don't have direct experience, emphasise any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your reliability, teamwork, and customer service abilities. Make sure your CV is clear and easy to read.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to convey your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Mention why you want to work at J D Wetherspoon specifically and how you align with their values of inclusivity and teamwork.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in the hospitality industry.
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 kitchen staff position. Share why you love working in a team and how you enjoy being part of a lively environment.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
Even if you don't have prior 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.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past. This could be from previous jobs, school projects, or even group activities.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food hygiene and safety standards, as well as 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 safety.
