At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and guest satisfaction.
- Company: Aspire Lounges, Europe's largest lounge brand with over 35 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals, parking, and industry-recognised training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and great career growth potential in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team in the exciting world of pre-flight hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and Level 2 Food Safety qualification.
The predicted salary is between 26400 - 26400 £ per year.
- Overview
- Job title - Level 2 Cook/Catering Assistant
- Location - Aspire Lounge Birmingham Airport
Pay Rate: £13.94, plus a night shift allowance of 0.95pence per hour from 00:00 until 0600hrs
Do you want to be at the forefront of one of the most exciting and fastest growing sectors in Pre-flight Hospitality?
If you have a passion for delivering world class guest experience, leading hospitality teams and enjoy meeting new faces every day, then this is the role for you.
We are Aspire Lounges.
With more than 35 years of award-winning hospitality experience, we are Europe’s largest brand of lounges and serve over 6 million customers worldwide within 100 lounges, that’s over 18,000 guests per day.
Job Summary
The Kitchen Lead reports to and supports the Lounge Management by overseeing the daily kitchen operations of Aspire Lounge.
This role ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality food, compliance with food safety standards, and efficient kitchen performance.
As a leader of a kitchen team, the Kitchen Lead is a hands-on role, actively involved in food preparation, training, service delivery, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, HACCP, COSHH, and hygiene regulations at all times.
- Conduct regular kitchen checks via LOGIT, maintaining accurate records and up-to-date risk assessments.
- Promote a strong food safety culture, addressing hazards, near misses, and maintaining high cleanliness standards.
- Ensure all team members follow allergen procedures and food handling best practices.
- Kitchen Leadership & Team Support
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of kitchen team members.
- Lead, motivate, and supervise the kitchen team to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Plan and allocate tasks effectively, ensuring productivity and adherence to service standards.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and ongoing support to develop team performance.
- Work closely with lounge management to ensure alignment between kitchen and front-of-house operations.
- Food Quality & Guest Experience
- Ensure consistent preparation and presentation of food in line with Aspire brand standards.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, freshness, and availability throughout service.
- Respond proactively to guest feedback related to food, making improvements where necessary.
- Take a hands-on approach during busy periods to support service delivery and maintain standards.
- Operational Support
- Work with stock team to manage stock levels, including ordering, rotation, and waste control to ensure efficiency and minimise loss.
- Conduct stocktakes and maintain accurate inventory records.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained, clean, and fully operational.
- Support the implementation of new menus, processes, and operational procedures.
- Cost & Efficiency Control
- Monitor food costs, portion control, and wastage to support financial targets.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary spend. Work with management to review performance metrics and drive continuous improvement.
The list is not exhaustive and is not intended to restrict the scope of the job but clearly define a starting point and may vary depending on location and local customer requirements.
Qualifications
Skills
- A hands-on approach with the ability to lead by example in a busy kitchen environment.
- Level 2 Food Safety qualification (minimum) and strong knowledge of allergens (training provided if required).
- Proven experience in a kitchen supervisory or lead role, ideally within hospitality, lounges, hotels, or restaurants.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
- Flexibility to work across a 7-day operation, including early mornings and evenings.
- Basic IT skills and familiarity with stock or ordering systems.
- Strong understanding of food safety regulations and kitchen best practices.
Benefits
- Free parking whilst at work.
- Uniform provided
- Industry recognised CPD opportunities with the Aspire Hospitality Academy.
- Free meals and soft drinks during shifts.
- Swissport pension scheme with ability to self-contribute.
- 24-hour employee assistance programme.
- Discounted access to Aspire lounge network for family and friends
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Cook/Catering Assistant Level 2- Aspire Lounge Birmingham Airport in Bickenhill employer: Swissport International AG
Swissport International AG is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in enhancing guest experiences. Located in Belfast, employees benefit from free meals during shifts, industry-recognised training, and a robust pension scheme, all while enjoying flexible working hours that promote a healthy work-life balance. With a focus on employee growth and development, this position not only ensures high standards of cleanliness but also provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Swissport International AG Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook/Catering Assistant Level 2- Aspire Lounge Birmingham Airport in Bickenhill
✨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 Swissport International AG. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Swissport International AG
Don't be shy about reaching out to Swissport International AG 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 Cook/Catering Assistant Level 2- Aspire Lounge Birmingham Airport in Bickenhill
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 Swissport International AG 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 Swissport International AG
✨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!
