At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while supporting the kitchen team.
- Company: Join HES Catering Services, a leader in school meal provision.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and flexible term-time hours.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing healthy meals to students every day.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for food and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 28221 - 29436 € per year.
About Us
HES Catering Services are the Local Authority provider of school meals for the London Borough of Havering, working in partnership with local schools and academies to provide award‑winning meals and services. We are very proud of supplying a wide range of high‑quality catering services to the majority of schools within the borough. We also partner with schools outside of Havering and offer bespoke solutions and assistance to individual schools and businesses that have their own in‑house catering teams. HES Catering enjoys success through experienced colleagues who carefully prepare ‘Healthy, Fresh, Vibrant & Tasty’ meals with the highest quality produce for our clients. We serve over 15,000 meals per day in our schools.
About the Job
The role has entry step Grade 1/2: £9411.46. 12.5 hours per week, term time only, plus 4 cleaning days during the school holidays. To undertake the preparation, simple cooking and the serving of food and beverages in accordance with the Council’s contractual arrangements. To support the kitchen supervisor in all aspects of the food service and to assume responsibility for the food service in the supervisor’s absence.
About You
The post holder reports to: Cook Supervisor or Higher‑graded Operative. The post holder has no direct staffing responsibilities. The post holder will be required to work as defined on the staffing profile. Hours of work: 12.5 hours per week.
For any further information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact mandy.divall@havering.gov.uk.
The closing date for this vacancy is 29 May 2026.
Additional Information
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to choose Havering. The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than two A4 pages why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Kitchen Assistant Parsonage Farm employer: London Borough of Havering
HES Catering Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion while providing meaningful employment opportunities in the heart of Havering. As a Kitchen Assistant at Parsonage Farm, you will benefit from flexible working hours during term time, a commitment to employee growth, and the chance to contribute to the well-being of local children through the preparation of healthy meals. Join us in making a positive impact in our community while enjoying a rewarding career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant Parsonage Farm
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen environment! If you can, pop by Parsonage Farm and chat with the team. This shows your enthusiasm and gives you a feel for the vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your skills! During interviews, be prepared to talk about any previous experience in food prep or customer service. We want to see how you can contribute to our award-winning meals!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest in the role by asking about the kitchen's daily operations or the types of meals you’ll be helping to prepare. It’s a great way to connect with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at HES Catering Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant Parsonage Farm
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know why you love food and cooking! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, whether it's at home or in a previous job. This will help us see your enthusiasm for the role.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the specific criteria mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Stick to the point and avoid fluff in your application. Remember, you have a two A4 page limit for your supporting statement, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Havering
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Kitchen Assistant. Understand the basics of food preparation, cooking, and serving. Being able to discuss how you can support the kitchen supervisor and handle tasks in their absence will show your readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Express your enthusiasm for healthy and tasty meals. Share any relevant experiences or personal stories that highlight your interest in food service. This will resonate well with HES Catering's commitment to providing high-quality meals.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they ensure food quality. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles. Emphasising your ability to collaborate and support colleagues will demonstrate that you're a great addition to their kitchen team.