Senior Catering Assistant

To support the efficient operation of the kitchen and catering service by assisting with food preparation, basic cooking, food service, customer care, and delivery activities. The role ensures that high standards of food quality, hygiene, safety, and customer service are consistently maintained while supporting colleagues across kitchen and front-of-house operations. Somerset Larder produces fresh food and meals to go using locally sourced ingredients from all over the west country. Values: Togetherness, Nurture, Pride, Planet.

Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, hospitality, and buffet services; Prepare ingredients, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and hot meals in line with recipes, specifications, and customer requirements; Support chefs in all aspects of food production; Assist with portioning, packing, and labelling food items for service or delivery; Ensure all food is handled, stored, and prepared in accordance with food safety and allergen procedures; Provide a friendly, professional, and welcoming service to customers; Serve food, beverages, and retail products while maintaining high standards of presentation; Operate tills, cashless payment systems, and EPOS equipment where required; Respond to customer enquiries and assist in resolving service issues; Assist with receiving, checking, and storing deliveries; Support the preparation and loading of food orders for delivery; Undertake delivery duties where required; Help maintain accurate stock rotation and storage practices, including FIFO principles; Report stock shortages, quality concerns, or delivery discrepancies to management; Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and service environment; Clean equipment, utensils, workstations, food preparation areas, and dining spaces; Complete cleaning schedules, temperature checks, and food safety records accurately; Follow all Food Safety, HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH, and company procedures; Support waste management and sustainability initiatives; Work collaboratively with kitchen, delivery, and front-of-house teams; Assist colleagues during busy periods; Contribute to a positive working environment; Participate in training and development activities; Carry out any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role

Requirements

Food Safety 2 within 30 days of starting work; Basic food preparation and cooking skills; Excellent customer service and communication skills; Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment; Good organisational skills and attention to detail; Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management; Reliable, flexible, and able to work independently or as part of a team; Successful completion of pre-employment screening (three-year employment history, five-year address history, in-date photographic ID and right to work in the UK)

Nice to have

Health and Safety Qualification; Relevant catering or hospitality qualification; First Aid qualification; Previous experience in a catering, kitchen, hospitality, or food service environment

Benefits

30 days annual leave including bank holidays; Pension contributions (5% employee, matched with 5% employer); Life assurance; Cycle scheme; Comprehensive family leave benefits; Free food and drink on shift; Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Mental Health First Aiders; Christmas shutdown between Christmas and New Year; Learning, development and apprenticeship opportunities; Access to occupational health; Refer a Friend scheme; Monthly recognition awards; Long service awards at 5 and 10 years; Annual team awards; Full-time hours of 39 per week with daytime hours, no late-night restaurant finishes, and occasional weekends