At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the kitchen team by maintaining cleanliness and assisting with food service.
- Company: Join Wilson Vale, a quality-led contract caterer in a fun and inspiring environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy great hours, work-life balance, and perks like your birthday off after one year.
- Other info: Excellent career development opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team making a real impact on students' dining experience.
- Qualifications: Reliability, teamwork skills, and a willingness to learn are key; previous experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27800 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Kitchen Porter to join our team at one of our independent schools IP9. Term time only, school holidays off: Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 3.00pm. No evening or weekends.
Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.
We are looking for a positive, honest and reliable employee to join our friendly and hardworking team who can support the smooth and efficient operation of the school kitchen by maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organisation, while assisting the catering team in delivering a high-quality food service to students and staff. This is a busy school serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to staff and students.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Have experience working in a similar role and environment
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of all kitchen areas in line with food safety standards
- Collect trays and items from the dining room
- Use a dishwasher and wash and put away all crockery, cutlery, kitchen utensils, and equipment
- Work tidily and maintain a clean and tidy dishwasher area
- Ensure all waste is disposed of correctly and recycling procedures are followed
- Keep floors and surfaces clean and free from hazards
- Put away deliveries
- Support the catering team during busy service periods
- Assist with basic food preparation as directed by the chefs
- Follow all health & safety and food hygiene regulations
- Report any maintenance or equipment issues to senior staff
As a Kitchen Porter you will:
- be reliable, punctual, and hard-working
- be able to work effectively as part of a team
- have a good understanding of hygiene and cleanliness standards
- be willing to learn and take instruction
- have previous kitchen or catering experience (desirable but not essential)
WILSON VALE PERKS:
- Our working hours are some of the best you'll find in catering - we are strong believers in work-life balance
- Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities
- Craft Works – Free craft-focused career development training programme
- Paid training bespoke to you
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme- your wellbeing is very important to us
- Online employee benefits scheme - monetary savings on everyday items!
- Your Birthday off every year after 1 years’ service.
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
Start date: September 2026 - a clean enhanced DBS will be required prior to start date. Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
Kitchen Porter in Ipswich employer: Wilson Vale
Wilson Vale is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises work-life balance with term-time hours and no evening or weekend shifts. Employees benefit from unique perks such as free career development training, a focus on wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, and the opportunity to enjoy their birthday off after one year of service. Join our friendly team at this independent school and contribute to delivering high-quality food services while enjoying excellent growth opportunities in a fun and inspiring setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Porter in Ipswich
✨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 Wilson Vale 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 Porter in Ipswich
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 Wilson Vale 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 Wilson Vale.
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 Wilson Vale get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilson Vale
✨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 Wilson Vale 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.
