Kitchen Assistant - Thurrock

About the role We are recruiting a Kitchen Assistant to support our catering team in delivering nutritious, appetising meals for patients, staff and visitors. This role will also contribute to the opening team for our new Bistro, Seasons @ St. Luke’s by AnuragFoodStory, launching in Summer 2026. The Bistro will offer a welcoming environment for the local community and provide opportunities for professional development within an innovative hospitality setting. We encourage applications from individuals at all stages of their careers. In this role you will: Support preparation of ingredients and simple meal components in line with recipes and portion controls to ensure consistent quality and presentation. Assist with plating, portioning and serving meals following established hygiene and dietary guidelines. Carry out basic food preparation tasks such as washing, peeling, chopping and weighing ingredients safely and efficiently. Ensure correct storage, labelling and rotation of stock to maintain freshness and reduce waste. Maintain high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen and food preparation areas, complying with Food Hygiene Regulations and internal policies. Operate kitchen equipment under supervision and report any faults or safety concerns promptly. Support deliveries, unpacking and stock rotation and assist with simple inventory checks and record keeping. Work closely with chefs, clinical and domestic teams to help meet meal service schedules and respond to special dietary requests. Adhere to all organisational policies including health and safety, confidentiality and infection control procedures. The successful candidate will: Have previous experience in a kitchen, catering or food preparation setting, or demonstrate a strong interest in starting a career in hospitality. Hold, or be willing to obtain, a recognised food hygiene qualification (Level 2 Food Safety in Catering or equivalent). Demonstrate practical food preparation skills, attention to detail and the ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately. Be organised, reliable and able to work effectively as part of a team under time constraints. Have good communication skills and a positive, flexible approach to work. Be willing to work a variety of shifts, which may include early starts, occasional evenings and weekends as service needs require. Be able to perform manual handling tasks and stand for extended periods; reasonable adjustments can be discussed where needed. Salary: £24,274.98-£25,550 per annum (depending on experience) Contract: Permanent Hours: Full time, 7:30am–3:30pm or 11am-7pm shifts, with occasional evenings and weekends as required. Location: Thurrock Hospice Right to work Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor work permits or visas. Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from under-represented groups to apply. Adjustments can be made to support applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.