The Cleaner (Kitchen) plays a vital back-of-house support role, ensuring the kitchen remains clean, sanitary, and safe for food preparation and service. Working behind the scenes, this position helps protect food quality, supports smooth kitchen operations, and contributes directly to hygiene standards, compliance, and team efficiency in a fast-paced restaurant, club, or lounge environment.
- Purpose of the role
- Maintain a consistently clean and hygienic kitchen environment.
- Support chefs and kitchen staff by keeping work areas, equipment, and surfaces ready for use.
- Help reduce health and safety risks by following proper cleaning and sanitation procedures.
- Contribute to the overall smooth operation of the back-of-house team during service and after close.
- Where the role sits and reporting line
- This role sits within the Kitchen (Back of House) team and is part of the wider operations structure.
- The Cleaner (Kitchen) typically reports to the Head Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Back of House Supervisor, depending on the venue’s structure.
- They work closely with chefs, stewards, porters, and other kitchen support staff to keep the department running efficiently.
- Key areas of responsibility
- Clean and sanitise kitchen floors, walls, counters, sinks, drains, and food-prep areas.
- Wash pots, pans, utensils, trays, and other kitchen equipment as required.
- Remove waste, sort rubbish correctly, and manage recycling or disposal areas.
- Refill cleaning supplies and report shortages, damage, or maintenance issues promptly.
- Follow all hygiene, food safety, and chemical handling procedures.
- Assist with deep cleaning tasks, end-of-shift clean-downs, and periodic maintenance cleans.
- What success looks like
- A successful Cleaner (Kitchen) is reliable, hardworking, and takes pride in maintaining high standards.
- They are organised, able to work quickly and safely under pressure, and comfortable in a busy, physical environment.
- They show attention to detail, good time management, and a strong understanding of cleanliness, teamwork, and confidentiality.
- A positive attitude, consistency, and willingness to support the wider kitchen team are essential for success.