At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare delicious meals and support a vibrant kitchen environment.
- Company: Join The Orpheus Centre, a charity empowering young disabled adults through the arts.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and opportunities for training and development.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values joy, ambition, and resilience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while doing what you love.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, passion for food, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 11700 - 14300 £ per year.
The Orpheus Centre is a specialist charity and college supporting young disabled adults to develop independence, confidence and employability through the arts. Founded by Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus places joy, inclusion and ambition at the centre of everything it does.
Location: Godstone, Surrey
Hours: 20 Hours per Week | Term Time Only (42 Weeks per Year) Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm (flexibility available) – Part-time considered
Are you passionate about cooking and making a difference? The Orpheus Centre is looking for a friendly, enthusiastic and reliable Assistant Chef / Kitchen Assistant to join our Catering Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves preparing great food and wants to work in a rewarding environment supporting disabled young adults to achieve their goals through the arts.
Working alongside our Chef Manager, you will help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, food service areas and dining spaces, delivering high-quality meals and excellent customer service to students, staff and visitors. At Orpheus, our values of being joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient and determined are at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking for someone who shares these values.
What you'll be doing:
- Assisting with the preparation and cooking of meals to a high standard
- Supporting the daily operation of the kitchen and food service areas
- Receiving and checking food deliveries
- Maintaining stock rooms and food storage areas
- Preparing and delivering internal buffets
- Supporting staff lunch preparation
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards
- Completing kitchen records and essential paperwork
- Handling cash and contactless payments
- Covering other catering areas, including the Arts Café, when required
- Supporting the Chef Manager and stepping up in their absence when needed
What we're looking for:
- Experience working in a catering or kitchen environment
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to undertake training)
- Good communication, literacy and numeracy skills
- A genuine passion for food and cooking
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Understanding of healthy eating and food allergies
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality and inclusion
Meaningful work that makes a real difference to young people's lives. A supportive and welcoming team environment. Training and development opportunities. Opportunity to work within a unique and inspiring arts-based organisation.
Safeguarding & Inclusion: The Orpheus Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young adults. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We value difference and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and supportive workplace. In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK. The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer. We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:
- Challenging attitudes towards disability
- Increasing understanding of disability
- Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
- Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration
Assistant Chef/Kitchen Assistant in Godstone employer: Orpheus
The Orpheus Centre is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and the chance to work alongside passionate individuals in a vibrant environment located in Godstone, Surrey. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and commitment to our mission, while enjoying the benefits of a full-time role with flexible working hours.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chef/Kitchen Assistant in Godstone
✨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 Orpheus. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Orpheus
Don't be shy about reaching out to Orpheus 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 Assistant Chef/Kitchen Assistant in Godstone
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 Orpheus 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 Orpheus
✨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!
