Kitchen Assistant

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role. Manchester Metropolitan University Catering is looking to recruit and train a team of Kitchen Assistants to work on campus for the 2026/2027 academic year.Kitchen Support & Food Preparation

• Assist chefs with basic food preparation including washing, peeling, cutting, and portioning ingredients.
• Prepare simple food items as directed, ensuring consistency and adherence to recipe specifications.
• Support the assembly and service of hot and cold food where required.
• Ensure all food is handled, stored, and labelled in line with food safety standards.
Cleaning & Hygiene (Kitchen Porter Duties)
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness across all kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Wash pots, pans, utensils, crockery, and catering equipment using manual and machine methods.
• Clean floors, walls, work surfaces, extraction units, and waste areas.
• Ensure cleaning schedules are followed and signed off in line with HACCP requirements.
• Safely use cleaning chemicals in accordance with COSHH regulations.
Stock & Equipment Handling
• Assist with deliveries, checking goods, moving stock, and storing items correctly.
• Rotate stock using First in and first out principles and report shortages or damaged goods.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and stored safely after use.
Waste Management
• Dispose of food and general waste in line with environmental and sustainability guidelines.
• Maintain waste areas in a clean, safe, and organised condition.
• Support recycling initiatives and reduction of food waste.
Health & Safety Compliance
• Adhere to all food hygiene, health & safety, and University policies at all times.
• Identify and report hazards, breakages, or maintenance issues promptly.
• Follow safe manual handling practices when lifting or moving items.
Team Support
• Work collaboratively with chefs, supervisors, and front-of-house teams.
• Support catering operations during busy periods and events as required.
• Maintain a flexible approach to working across different catering outlets.
Successful students will be put into a pool/bank of Kitchen Assistants and will be able to able to various shifts through the 2026/2027 academic year., Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.


• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong teamwork skills with a proactive and flexible approach.
• Good understanding of cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Ability to follow instructions and work to set procedures.
• Physically able to undertake manual handling and standing for long periods., Experience working in a kitchen, catering, or cleaning environment.
• Experience of pot wash, cleaning, or kitchen porter duties., Previous experience in a high-volume commercial kitchen.
• Knowledge of stock rotation and food storage practices.
• Basic food preparation experience.