Catering Assistant

Aspens Services Ltd.; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a Catering Assistant to support kitchen operations and provide excellent service. You will assist in basic food preparation and ensure a clean kitchen environment while engaging with students and staff. The role offers 20 hours per week during term time, with a competitive hourly wage of £12.21. Ideal candidates should have some experience in catering and a commitment to safeguarding children's welfare.

Benefits

No late nights

No weekends

No work at Christmas

Career growth and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must share commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people.
• Ability to provide friendly, polite customer service.
• Capacity to assist the team with basic food preparation.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen in basic food preparation.
• Provide friendly customer service during lunch service.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.

Skills

Team player

Previous catering or fast-paced service experience

Basic knowledge of health and safety practices

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification

Job description

# Catering Assistant## Job IntroductionAspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals—we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.**The role:**As a Catering Assistant, you will be a vital part of the team, supporting our kitchen in basic food preparation and delivering excellent service that makes the lunchtime rush run smoothly.**You’ll be making a real difference through responsibilities that include:*** **Customer Interaction:**Working on the tills during service (don’t worry, full training is provided!).* **Front-Line Service:** Providing friendly, polite customer service to all students and staff.* **Essential Support:** Assisting the team with basic food preparation* **Maintaining Standards:** Ensuring a safe, clean kitchen environment and meeting Health and Safety compliance**About you:**We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools.If you have these skills and qualities, we want to hear from you:* You’re a team player and thrive as part of a busy team* You have previous catering or fast-paced service experience* You have a basic knowledge of health and safety practices* The Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification is great, but not essential as we can provide the training!**Great Work-Life Balance:**You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time - that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!* 20 hours per week* £12.21 per hour**Career Growth and Development:*** Join a fast-growing, ambitious company. We have no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career in catering.* Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeship and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.*Please note: All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.*### Catering Assistant* **Salary** £12.21 per hour* Hourly* **Job Reference** JGT/TP/76/7456* **Contract Type** Full Time* **Closing Date** 07 February, 2026* **Job Category** Unit Level* **Business Unit** Aspens Services Ltd* **Location** South end on the Sea, United Kingdom* 08 January, 2026