At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist chefs with food prep, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen hygiene.
- Company: Join the vibrant catering team at Manchester Metropolitan University.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, gain experience, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work various shifts throughout the academic year.
- Why this job: Perfect for students wanting to earn while learning in a fast-paced kitchen.
- Qualifications: Team player with a proactive attitude and basic kitchen skills.
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 27800 £ per year.
Manchester Metropolitan University Catering is recruiting Kitchen Assistants for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Applicants must be current Manchester Metropolitan students based in the UK.
Responsibilities
- Kitchen Support & Food Preparation
- Assist chefs with basic food preparation including washing, peeling, cutting, and portioning ingredients.
- Prepare simple food items as directed, ensuring consistency and adherence to recipe specifications.
- Support the assembly and service of hot and cold food where required.
- Ensure all food is handled, stored, and labelled in line with food safety standards.
- Cleaning & Hygiene (Kitchen Porter Duties)
- Maintain exceptional cleanliness across all kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Wash pots, pans, utensils, crockery, and catering equipment using manual and machine methods.
- Clean floors, walls, work surfaces, extraction units, and waste areas.
- Ensure cleaning schedules are followed and signed off in line with HACCP requirements.
- Safely use cleaning chemicals in accordance with COSHH regulations.
- Stock & Equipment Handling
- Assist with deliveries, checking goods, moving stock, and storing items correctly.
- Rotate stock using First in and First out principles and report shortages or damaged goods.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and stored safely after use.
- Waste Management
- Dispose of food and general waste in line with environmental and sustainability guidelines.
- Maintain waste areas in a clean, safe, and organised condition.
- Support recycling initiatives and reduce food waste.
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Adhere to all food hygiene, health & safety, and University policies at all times.
- Identify and report hazards, breakages, or maintenance issues promptly.
- Follow safe manual handling practices when lifting or moving items.
- Team Support
- Work collaboratively with chefs, supervisors, and front-of-house teams.
- Support catering operations during busy periods and events as required.
- Maintain a flexible approach to working across different catering outlets.
Successful students will be placed into a pool/bank of Kitchen Assistants and will have the opportunity to work various shifts throughout the 2026/2027 academic year.
Qualifications
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Strong teamwork skills with a proactive and flexible approach.
- Good understanding of cleanliness and hygiene standards.
- Ability to follow instructions and work to set procedures.
- Physically able to undertake manual handling and stand for long periods.
- Experience working in a kitchen, catering, or cleaning environment.
- Experience of pot wash, cleaning, or kitchen porter duties.
- Previous experience in a high-volume commercial kitchen.
- Knowledge of stock rotation and food storage practices.
- Basic food preparation experience.
Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
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Contact Details:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Manchester Metropolitan University and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Manchester Metropolitan University that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Manchester Metropolitan University get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Manchester Metropolitan University and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
