Position Overview: Kitchen Assistant
The Kitchen Assistant plays an essential support role within the Kitchen (Back of House), helping maintain the speed, cleanliness, and organisation that enable the culinary team to deliver consistently high standards. This is an entry-level operational role that supports chefs and cooks with routine kitchen tasks, ensuring food preparation areas remain hygienic, well-stocked, and ready for service in a fast-paced restaurant, club, or lounge environment.
The Kitchen Assistant sits within the back-of-house team and typically reports to the Kitchen Supervisor, Sous Chef, or Head Chef, depending on the structure of the venue. The role works closely with chefs, stewards, and other kitchen staff to support smooth service throughout the day.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Assist with basic food preparation tasks such as washing, peeling, chopping, and portioning ingredients under supervision.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across workstations, equipment, utensils, storage areas, and kitchen floors.
- Support dishwashing, waste removal, and general kitchen housekeeping to keep operations safe and efficient.
- Receive, store, and rotate stock correctly, helping to reduce waste and maintain food quality.
- Set up and replenish kitchen stations with required tools, containers, and ingredients before and during service.
- Follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace health and safety procedures at all times.
- Assist chefs with simple operational tasks during busy periods to help ensure timely service.
The Type of Person Who Succeeds in This Role
- Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions carefully.
- Comfortable working in a physically demanding, high-pressure environment.
- Neat, organised, and committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
- A team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Able to stay calm, focused, and responsive during busy service periods.
- Respectful of confidentiality, workplace standards, and guest-facing service expectations.
A successful Kitchen Assistant demonstrates initiative, consistency, and a strong work ethic, forming a dependable foundation for the wider kitchen team.