A Kitchen Porter plays a vital support role within the Kitchen (Back of House), helping the team maintain a clean, organised, safe, and efficient working environment. This position is essential to smooth kitchen operations, ensuring chefs and cooks can focus on food preparation and service while hygiene, equipment, and supplies are kept in order.
Purpose of the Role
- Support the kitchen team by maintaining cleanliness across all kitchen areas, including workstations, floors, dishwashing areas, storage spaces, and waste disposal points.
- Ensure dishes, utensils, pans, trays, and equipment are cleaned, sanitised, and ready for immediate use.
- Assist in keeping the kitchen operating to a high standard of hygiene, safety, and speed during busy service periods.
- Contribute to the overall efficiency of the back-of-house team by handling basic support tasks as directed.
Position in the Organisation
- The Kitchen Porter sits within the Back of House team and is part of the kitchen support structure.
- The role typically reports to the Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Supervisor, depending on the size and structure of the operation.
- It works closely with chefs, cooks, stewards, and other support staff to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly throughout preparation, service, and close-down.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Washing and sanitising crockery, glassware, cutlery, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
- Keeping floors, drains, walls, bins, and food preparation areas clean and hazard-free.
- Supporting deliveries by unpacking, storing, and moving stock when required.
- Removing waste, recycling, and used oil safely and in line with procedures.
- Assisting with basic food prep support tasks such as peeling, washing, and organising ingredients when instructed.
- Following hygiene, food safety, and health and safety standards at all times.
- Reporting equipment faults, shortages, spills, and any safety concerns promptly.
Type of Person Who Succeeds in This Role
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work well under pressure in a busy environment.
- Physically fit, with good stamina and a willingness to carry out repetitive tasks to a high standard.
- Organised, cooperative, and respectful of kitchen hierarchy and instructions.
- Detail-focused, with a strong understanding of cleanliness, safety, and teamwork.
- Positive, adaptable, and ready to support wherever needed to keep service moving.