Airport Retail Enterprises (UK) Limited
Kitchen Assistant
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Kitchen Assistant
About the Role
We are a family-run UK business/operating food and beverage outlets at airports, creating exceptional experiences for all our customers. We believe airport customers deserve better—we’re here to delight.
We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Kitchen Assistant at Manchester Airport, working in our outlets to deliver exceptional food and outstanding customer service with a highly trained and motivated team.
The Opportunity
As part of the Great Northern Market concept at Manchester Airport, you’ll be supporting six kitchens offering a diverse range of cuisines such as:
- Fried chicken
- Smashed burgers
- Burritos
- Hand-stretched pizza
- Asian and Greek dishes
- Breakfast menu
The venue accommodates ~470 covers and operates 24/7 (3 am – 10 pm). This is an hourly-paid role, with potential for early morning starts (e.g, 2 am) or late finishes (last flight departures)—no split or double shifts required.
If you’re passionate about hospitality, enjoy working in large teams, and want to develop your kitchen experience, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
Your primary focus is maintaining a high standard of hygiene while supporting the kitchen team in day-to-day operations. Key duties include:
- Maintaining strict hygiene standards in the kitchen environment.
- Ensuring health & safety and food safety standards are consistently upheld.
- Cleaning and sanitising food preparation areas.
- Assisting with the transport of food trolley units.
- Controlling food stocks and minimising waste.
- Follow the daily cleaning rota.
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and cleanliness.
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Requirements & Ideal Traits
We seek outgoing, engaging team players who are eager to learn and committed to thriving in a fast-paced, industrial kitchen.
To succeed in this role, you’ll need:
- Previous kitchen experience (helpful but not essential).
- Ability to address health & safety concerns appropriately.
- Strong communication skills—capable of nurturing positive team relationships.
- Organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to follow processes reliably while delivering excellent and consistent service.
Our core values—Growth, Respect, Innovation, and Togetherness (GRIT)—are at the heart of everything we do. Do you embody:
- Curiosity, passion, and resilience?
- Responsibility, a strong work ethic, and a desire to help others?
- A wholesome attitude, positivity, and willingness to have FUN?
Perks & Benefits
- Free meals available while on duty from our on-site ‘Staff Duty Meal’ options.
- Tronc system—earn tips and gratuities via an elected tronc master.
- 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing to 32 days yearly.
- NEST pension
- Wagestream— flexible pay access + discounts at retailers.
- Health & wellbeing cash plan, offering deals with hundreds of retailers.
- Employee Assistance Programme supporting mental and physical health from day one.
- Staff referral bonus scheme.
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Next Steps
Before joining, all candidates must provide:
- Proof of ‘Right to Work’ in the UK.
- An Airport Security ID pass (we’ll assist with this application, requiring a passport check, DBS/vetting process, and five years of employment/personal references).
Diversity & Inclusivity
At ARE Ltd, diversity and inclusivity are core to our exceptional service and innovation. We strongly encourage applications from:
- Disadvantaged backgrounds
- Disabled individuals
- LGBTQ+ community members
- Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups
- Those with lived experiences of discrimination
We foster an environment where everyone is valued, supporting physical and mental health equity for all.
Accessibility & Adjustments
We are committed to reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure full participation for all candidates. If you require specific adjustments (e.g., interview setup), or wish to indicate your preferred pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/them), please get in touch. Your identity, accessibility needs, and comfort will be respected.
Apply today! If these values and challenges resonate with you, we’d love to see you join our team.
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