Senior Catering Assistant

Job Description

Purpose of the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Production

• 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 to ensure meals are delivered to agreed quality standards.
• 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.

Customer Service & Food Service

• Provide a friendly, professional, and welcoming service to customers at all times.
• 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 promptly and professionally.
• Support catering operations across restaurants, coffee shops, hospitality events, retail outlets, and service counters.

Delivery & Stock Support

• Assist with receiving, checking, and storing deliveries in accordance with company procedures.
• Support the preparation and loading of food orders for delivery to customers and service locations.
• Undertake delivery duties where required, ensuring food is transported safely and efficiently.
• Help maintain accurate stock rotation and storage practices, including adherence to FIFO principles.
• Report stock shortages, quality concerns, or delivery discrepancies to management.

Hygiene, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen and service environment.
• Clean equipment, utensils, workstations, food preparation areas, and dining spaces to required standards.
• 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, ensuring waste is disposed of correctly.

Teamwork & General Duties

• Work collaboratively with kitchen, delivery, and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Assist colleagues during busy periods and support other catering areas as required.
• Contribute to a positive working environment through professional communication and teamwork.
• Participate in training and development activities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.

• Food Safety 2 within 30 days of starting work
• Health and Safety Qualification (desirable)
• Relevant catering or hospitality qualification (desirable).
• First Aid qualification (desirable).

Skills / Knowledge / Experience Required

• Previous experience in a catering, kitchen, hospitality, or food service environment preferred.
• 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.

Employee Benefits Menu

At Somerset Larder, we believe our people are the secret ingredient to our success. Here’s a flavourful look at the benefits we’ve cooked up for our amazing team:

Generous Time Off

Savour a well-balanced blend of work and personal time with our generous annual leave allowance (30 days including bank holidays)

Pension Contributions with Extra Spice

Prepare for your future with a pension plan that goes beyond the basics – 5% from you, matched with a hearty 5% from us

Life Assurance

Our life assurance plan is here to provide peace of mind, so you can focus…