Kitchen Assistant

Job Title: Kitchen General Assistant

Location: Nira Caledonia Hotel, Edinburgh

Department: Kitchen / Food & Beverage

Reporting To: Head Chef / Sous Chef

Tuesday to Saturday 2.30pm to 9.30pm

Purpose of the Role

The Kitchen General Assistant supports the kitchen team in maintaining a clean, safe, organised and efficient working environment. The role is responsible for kitchen cleanliness, washing equipment and utensils, assisting with basic food preparation and ensuring that hygiene, food safety and health and safety standards are consistently maintained.

The Kitchen General Assistant is an important member of the hotel team and contributes directly to the smooth running of the kitchen and the quality of the guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Kitchen Cleaning and Hygiene
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen, food preparation areas, storage areas and associated back-of-house areas.
• Wash and sanitise crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots, pans, utensils and kitchen equipment using the appropriate equipment and cleaning products.
• Ensure work surfaces, sinks, floors, walls and equipment are cleaned in accordance with the hotel's cleaning schedules and hygiene procedures.
• Keep washing-up and kitchen areas clean, organised and free from unnecessary obstruction.
• Empty waste and recycling containers regularly and dispose of waste in accordance with hotel procedures.
• Assist with deep-cleaning duties as directed by the Head Chef or other senior kitchen team members.

Food Preparation and Kitchen Support

• Assist chefs with basic food preparation tasks where required, including washing, peeling and preparing fruit and vegetables.
• Assist with receiving, unpacking and storing food and kitchen supplies.
• Ensure food and other stock is stored safely and correctly.
• Follow instructions from chefs and other members of the kitchen management team.
• Assist with the movement of stock and equipment within the kitchen and storage areas.
• Support the kitchen team during busy service periods to help ensure an efficient operation.

Food Safety

• Follow all food hygiene and food safety procedures.
• Maintain appropriate standards of personal hygiene at all times.
• Follow procedures relating to food storage, temperature control, contamination prevention and allergen management.
• Report any food safety, hygiene or contamination concerns immediately to the Head Chef or senior member of the kitchen team.
• Comply with the hotel's HACCP procedures and any other food safety requirements.

Health and Safety

• Follow all hotel health and safety procedures and safe systems of work.
• Use cleaning chemicals, kitchen equipment and machinery safely and in accordance with training and manufacturers' instructions.
• Follow COSHH requirements when using cleaning chemicals.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment where required.
• Immediately report accidents, hazards, damaged equipment, spillages or unsafe working conditions.
• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of colleagues, guests and others who may be affected by your work.

Hotel and Guest Standards

• Maintain a professional and positive approach when working with colleagues and other hotel departments.
• Support the hotel's standards of service, presentation and professionalism.
• Treat colleagues, guests, suppliers and contractors with courtesy and respect.
• Work cooperatively as part of the wider hotel team.
• Be flexible in supporting other reasonable duties where required to meet operational needs.

Security and Confidentiality

• Follow hotel security procedures relating to kitchen areas, stock, equipment and hotel property.
• Report any security concerns or suspicious activity promptly.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding hotel operations, guests and colleagues.

Person Specification

Essential

• Reliable, punctual and able to work as part of a team.
• Able to follow instructions and established procedures.
• Good attention to cleanliness and hygiene.
• Willingness to undertake physical duties, including standing for extended periods, lifting, carrying and cleaning.
• Able to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays where required.
• A positive and helpful attitude.

Attention to Detail

Maintains consistently high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and organisation.

Reliability

Attends work punctually, follows instructions and completes allocated duties to the required standard.

Communication

Communicates clearly and respectfully with colleagues and raises concerns promptly.

Flexibility

Responds positively to changing operational requirements and is willing to assist with different kitchen duties where reasonably required.

The employee may be required to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and level of the role to support the effective operation of Nira Caledonia Hotel.

The duties and responsibilities of the position may be reviewed periodically to reflect operational requirements and the needs of the hotel.

Pay: £13.50-£14.50 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food

Application question(s):

• Can you work 2.30 pm to 9.30 pm 5 days a week. Tuesdays to Saturdays

Work Location: In person