At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in a vibrant kitchen, supporting chefs and maintaining high standards.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, and exclusive discounts at John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team developing exciting food products that delight customers.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, catering experience, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27200 - 33200 £ per year.
As a Kitchen Assistant you'll work in all areas of the kitchen including; as a kitchen porter, basic food preparation, helping to maintain the high standards in the Innovation Kitchen assisting the Executive Chef.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £3.75 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
At a glance:
- Working pattern - This role involves working at our Innovation Kitchen in Bracknell Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00. There will, on occasion, be a need to visit our other locations. Visits, where possible, will occur during regular working hours but some flexibility will be required.
The Innovation Kitchen specialises in the development of Waitrose own brand products - translating food trends into products that delight our customers and build on our market proposition.
As a Kitchen Assistant, you will be involved with a wide range of responsibilities such as:
- Assist in the development kitchen & other areas of the campus focused on innovation & quality assurance.
- Shopping and organising samples to keep our innovation process & quality sampling sessions running smoothly.
- Ensuring our state-of-the-art kitchen facilities are kept in pristine condition.
- Playing a key role in supporting the chef team with panels & other events and the general daily operations of the kitchen.
Essential skills you’ll need:
- Passion for product, quality and attention to detail.
- Catering background & experience - food preparation practices & quality assessments.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Good team player and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable using IT tools to manage bookings / admin.
- Must be able to drive and has own car due to shopping requirements.
Desirable:
- Food Safety L3 qualification.
- Sensory evaluation training.
Benefits of the Partnership and the role:
- Full-time working holiday entitlement 22 or 25 days holiday, plus public and bank holidays.
- Excellent work-life balance, including focus on well-being and flexible working.
- Defined Contribution pension scheme where your contributions will be matched by the Partnership (up to 8% of pay) and, after three years’ service, you’ll receive an additional Partnership contribution of 4% of pay, regardless of whether you pay in or not.
- You’ll get Partnership discount in store and online once you complete Probation. That’s 25% off in John Lewis & Partners (12% off electrical products) and 20% in Waitrose & Partners.
- Simple cycle to work support scheme.
- We’re really proud of our exclusive hotels based in some of Britain’s most beautiful areas and once you’ve been with us for three months, you’re welcome to explore them.
Important Information - Application and Interview Process:
The application form consists of a CV upload followed by application questions. Please ensure you refresh the page each time you complete a task to ensure you complete everything that you need to in time. You'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.
We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications, therefore, we recommend you apply early.
Closing Date: September 1, 2026
Pay: £27,200.00 - £33,200.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Working varied full-time hours of 35, across Monday to Friday
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Bracknell Campus, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA
We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Kitchen Assistant in Bracknell employer: John Lewis
John Lewis is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where every employee is considered a Partner, sharing in the success and responsibilities of the business. With a focus on innovation and personal growth, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of London, the role of Social Community Executive provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community while contributing to a brand that values kindness, respect, and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Bracknell
✨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 John Lewis. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to John Lewis
Don't be shy about reaching out to John Lewis 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 in Bracknell
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 John Lewis 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 John Lewis
✨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!
