At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Kitchen Assistant, helping with food prep and cooking.
- Company: Center Parcs, a fun and family-friendly environment with diverse dining options.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, discounts, and access to leisure facilities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, career development opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a vibrant kitchen while making great connections.
- Qualifications: Team player with a cheerful attitude; kitchen experience is a plus but not required.
Overview
A range of quality own-brand and high street restaurants and cafés, mixed with great food, family-friendly menus, and a generous sprinkling of excellent service. That’s the recipe for success in our Food and Beverage department. Around each village, the Food and Beverage department employs around 350 team members across nine different restaurants, cafés, and bars, as well as a production kitchen. There’s also a further five concessionary units including well-known brands such as Bella Italia and Café Rouge. From American grills to authentic Indian cuisine, or for those wanting a relaxing drink after a busy day, there’s something to suit all appetites at Center Parcs.
Role
KITCHEN ASSISTANT / COMMIS CHEF | £12.37 per hour
All colleagues working in the following restaurants: Rajinda Pradesh, Huck’s American Bar and Grill, The Pancake House, Sports Café, The Lakeside Inn, Foresters’ Inn and Vitalé Café Bar will benefit from the discretionary service charge we add to bills. The majority of our guests are happy to reward our colleagues for their excellent service.
We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef to join our friendly team. In this role, you will have the chance to learn and progress from the ground floor up, helping with the preparation, cooking and presentation of food. Working to the highest standards and in an environment that combines popular menus and quality food with the very best in service.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team and the desire to learn and develop. Previous experience within a kitchen environment would be desirable but not essential as full training will be provided.
Please note that to apply for a role with us, you must be able to reliably commute to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest (CA10 2DW) as it is not easily accessible by public transport. If you plan to use public transport, please follow this link for a realistic overview of your commute: Plan Your Journey
HOURS OF WORK
Working straight shifts, we have a variety of hours per 4 week period on a flexible basis. This means that your days and hours of work could vary each week, but you will always receive at least your contracted hours each period.
As our village is open 365 days of the year, your working hours will include public / bank holidays and during Christmas and / or New Year on a rota basis.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential requirements:
- Ability to build relationships with colleagues
- Naturally cheerful and friendly
Desirable requirements:
- Kitchen Porter or Chef experience
ABOUT THE BENEFITS
Center Parcs is a fantastic place to work, and the benefits are as impressive as they are unique. Here are just a few:
- Colleague Bonus Scheme
- Pension Scheme with Life Assurance
- Colleague Recognition and Reward Scheme – offering a choice of Center Parcs and High Street vouchers
- Free use of our leisure facilities
- Discounted Center Parcs breaks
- 20% discount in our restaurant and retail outlets
- Access to Perks at Work Portal – offering a wide range of retail and leisure discounts
- An Employee Assistance Program – providing support on financial, health and legal matters
- Excellent opportunities for career development and progression with the opportunity to gain externally recognised qualifications
If this sounds like your ideal job, then we’d love to see your application.
Interviews to be held: Ongoing
Kitchen Assistant Center Parcs UK & Ireland employer: Visit Lake District
Center Parcs is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and personal growth are at the forefront. As a Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef, you'll enjoy competitive pay, a range of unique benefits including a colleague bonus scheme and discounted leisure facilities, and the opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a supportive environment. Located at Whinfell Forest, this role provides a chance to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering outstanding service in a beautiful setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant Center Parcs UK & Ireland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Center Parcs' values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the role of Kitchen Assistant – it’ll boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a kitchen role, looking smart and presentable can make a great first impression. It shows you care about the opportunity and are ready to jump in with both feet.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant Center Parcs UK & Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know why you love food and working in a kitchen. Share any experiences you've had, even if they're just cooking at home. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since we’re all about teamwork here at Center Parcs, make sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve worked well with others. Whether it’s in a kitchen or another job, we want to know how you contribute to a positive team environment.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for cheerful and friendly individuals, so show us who you are! A bit of humour or a personal touch can go a long way.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get back to you. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Visit Lake District
✨Know the Menu
Familiarise yourself with the restaurants and cafés at Center Parcs. Knowing the menu items, especially the popular dishes, will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples from past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, as this is crucial in a busy kitchen environment. A friendly and cheerful attitude goes a long way!
✨Be Ready to Learn
Since full training will be provided, express your eagerness to learn and develop your skills. Mention any previous experiences, even if they are not directly related to cooking, that demonstrate your willingness to take on new challenges.
✨Plan Your Commute
Make sure you can reliably commute to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest. If you're using public transport, check the routes and times beforehand. Being punctual is key, and it shows your commitment to the job right from the start!