General Kitchen Assistant

General Kitchen Assistant

Leeds Full-Time No home office possible
L

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in food preparation, cooking, and serving while maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
  • Company: Join Leeds City Council, a leading employer with over 14,000 staff dedicated to community service.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making a difference in children's lives through quality meals.
  • Qualifications: Previous catering experience preferred; strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
  • Other info: This is a term-time role with additional training and cleaning days.

As a General Kitchen Assistant you will work as part of a team, communicate and work with others to assist in the provision of a high quality catering service. This is a varied and interesting role which involves working closely with school staff and liaising with parents and children on a regular basis.

Our ideal candidate will:

  • have excellent organisation skills
  • possess good practical catering skills
  • have a passion and a flair for detail

At Catering Leeds, we have set our sights high. We provide a school meals service that covers everything from arranging special diets to maintaining the catering equipment. Our primary focus is on customer experience.

You will be responsible for assisting in the preparation, cooking and serving of food. You will provide an efficient and polite service to customers. Your duties will include cleaning of the kitchen and all service areas and preparing the dining room before and after service, including setting out of dining room furniture. You should always promote the objectives of Catering Leeds via the provision of a quality service. Previous catering experience is preferred.

This is a term-time only role which requires 39 weeks of working per year, plus 3 cleaning days and 2 training days.

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

  • a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
  • membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
  • flexible working arrangements subject to service requirements
  • a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
  • a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

To assist in the provision of a high-quality catering service, your responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting in the preparation, cooking and serving of food and drinks
  • Providing an efficient and polite service to customers
  • Cleaning of the kitchen and all service areas
  • Preparing the dining room before and after service, including setting out of dining room furniture
  • Ensuring that Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Regulations are adhered to
  • Promoting the objectives of the Catering Agency via the provision of a quality service at all times
  • Working in various areas, covering commensurate duties as required
  • Communicating with others and acting on instructions from senior staff
  • Wearing the appropriate protective clothing as requested
  • Attending appropriate training courses/seminars as requested

It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post:

  • Work as part of a team and communicate with others
  • The ability to achieve deadlines
  • The ability to work under pressure
  • The ability to understand instructions
  • The ability to communicate with members of staff and children
  • Experience of miscellaneous physical duties e.g., bending, lifting and carrying
  • A flexible approach to extending hours and covering other duties
  • Be prepared to work in other Catering Agency Establishments as required
  • Be prepared to wear the specified uniform
  • Be prepared to follow Health and Safety and Basic Food Hygiene Regulations
  • Subject to a successful DBS check

Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety Policies. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required.

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post:

  • Preparation skills of basic ingredients e.g., salad, fruit, and veg
  • Knowledge of kitchen procedures
  • Knowledge of Food Safety Act
  • Knowledge of using commercial kitchen equipment
  • Knowledge of ISO 9000/2000 procedures
  • Knowledge of cleaning procedures for equipment
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures
  • Experience of working within a catering organisation
  • Experience of working with interruptions which may distract

General Kitchen Assistant employer: Leeds Bread Co-op

Leeds City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a General Kitchen Assistant, you will benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a clear career pathway within a diverse and inclusive environment. With over 25 years of experience in providing quality catering services to schools, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on the community.
L

Contact Detail:

Leeds Bread Co-op Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land General Kitchen Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a General Kitchen Assistant. Understanding the day-to-day tasks, such as food preparation and cleaning, will help you demonstrate your knowledge during any informal chats or interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your teamwork skills! Since this role involves working closely with others, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with a team to achieve a common goal.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight your passion for food and catering. Whether it's through volunteering, hobbies, or previous work experience, share your enthusiasm for providing quality service and how it aligns with Catering Leeds' objectives.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your flexibility and adaptability. This role may require you to cover various duties and work in different establishments, so be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully adapted to changing situations in the past.

We think you need these skills to ace General Kitchen Assistant

Excellent Organisation Skills
Practical Catering Skills
Attention to Detail
Teamwork and Collaboration
Communication Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Understanding of Health and Safety Regulations
Knowledge of Food Hygiene Regulations
Flexibility and Adaptability
Experience in Food Preparation
Customer Service Skills
Basic Cooking Skills
Cleaning Procedures Knowledge
Ability to Follow Instructions
Experience in a Catering Environment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and teamwork. Emphasise any previous roles where you demonstrated excellent organisation skills and practical catering abilities.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food service and detail how your skills align with the role. Mention your ability to work under pressure and your commitment to high-quality customer service.

Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous catering experience, be specific about your responsibilities and achievements. Include any training or certifications related to food hygiene and safety.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Bread Co-op

✨Show Your Team Spirit

As a General Kitchen Assistant, teamwork is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences working in a team and how you effectively communicate with others. Highlight any specific examples where you contributed to a positive team environment.

✨Demonstrate Your Practical Skills

Since the role requires good practical catering skills, be ready to talk about your experience in food preparation, cooking, and serving. If possible, mention any specific dishes or techniques you are familiar with that align with the job requirements.

✨Emphasise Your Organisation Skills

Organisation is key in a kitchen setting. Prepare to explain how you manage your time and tasks efficiently, especially during busy periods. You might want to share a situation where your organisational skills made a difference in your work.

✨Understand Health and Safety Regulations

Familiarise yourself with basic food hygiene and health and safety regulations. During the interview, express your commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, and be ready to answer questions related to these topics.

General Kitchen Assistant
Leeds Bread Co-op
L
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>