Elior UK
Assistant Chef
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About Us
We’re a specialist catering company dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, and exciting food for Independent Schools. We know the crucial role that food can play on a pupil’s ability to learn, develop, and ultimately flourish. Food isn’t simply fuel; it’s critical to creating happy, healthy, and inquisitive young minds.
Lexington is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues. Candidates that are shortlisted for this role will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children's Barred List.
Assistant Chef
Working Pattern
- Term-time only, Monday to Friday, including INSET days
- Up to two Saturdays per year to support key school events
- Approximately 39.4 weeks per year, inclusive of 5.6 weeks’ annual leave entitlement
Job ID
7683
What You’ll Be Serving Up
As an Assistant Chef, you’ll play an important role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, supporting the wider catering team to deliver a safe, organized, and high-quality food service. This is a varied, hands-on role that goes beyond food preparation. You’ll support all areas of the kitchen operation, including:
- Food preparation and cooking
- Lunch service
- Kitchen cleanliness
- Deliveries
- Stock management
- Food safety
- Allergen management
- Completion of due diligence
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Assisting with the preparation and cooking of food in line with agreed menus, recipes, and standards
- Supporting the kitchen team before, during, and after lunch service
- Helping ensure food is presented and served to a consistently high standard
- Supporting portion control and replenishment throughout service
- Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organization across the kitchen, preparation, and service areas
- Cleaning kitchen equipment and work areas in accordance with agreed cleaning schedules
- Completing and supporting food safety and due diligence records accurately and on time
- Following all food hygiene, health, and safety and company procedures
- Supporting the safe management of allergens and dietary requirements
- Following allergen procedures carefully during food preparation and service
- Receiving and checking deliveries, including quality, quantity, and temperature checks where required
- Ensuring deliveries are stored correctly and promptly
- Supporting stock control, stock rotation, date labeling, and monitoring of stock levels
- Highlighting low stock levels, shortages, or quality concerns to the Chef or manager
- Helping minimize food waste and ensuring ingredients are stored and used effectively
- Supporting the organization and smooth running of the kitchen throughout the working day
- Raising any concerns relating to food safety, allergens, equipment, stock, or service with the appropriate manager
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and supporting other areas of the catering operation where required
- Contributing to a positive, professional, and supportive team environment
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Ingredients You’ll Bring
- Previous experience within a kitchen, catering, or food preparation environment, or a genuine interest in developing your skills
- A basic understanding of food hygiene and food safety
- An understanding of the importance of allergen management and following agreed procedures
- A strong focus on cleanliness, organization, and attention to detail
- The ability to work effectively during busy service periods
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Good time management and the ability to prioritize tasks
- A willingness to support across all areas of the kitchen operation
- The ability to follow instructions, procedures, and recipes accurately
- A willingness to learn and develop your kitchen and catering skills
- Reliability, flexibility, and a strong work ethic
- A positive attitude and a desire to contribute to a great food service
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working - including part-time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind - Flexibility around family life with holidays that match the school calendar.
- Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal, or unexpected.
- Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
- Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
- Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
- One small thing - we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day. And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued. Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you’re passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!
We Celebrate You!
At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!
Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location