Restaurant - Kitchen Assistant

Our Company: 

Hollybush Nurseries Ltd, now one of the largest garden centres in the UK, was established in 1982 as an independent garden centre, family owned and run, which it remains to this day. Several changes have been evident over the years not just structurally, but our continual aim to improve our service, quality, range and competitiveness in the marketplace are always at the forefront of our plans. 

Department: Restaurant  

Reports to: Restaurant Manager 

Hours of work & contract: Full and Part Time contracts up to 40 hours per week, to include weekends, and Bank Holiday working. 

Job Summary: Support the day-to-day operation of the Restaurant by delivering exceptional standards of Food Service, Customer Service and Hygiene standards. Offer excellent presentation of food, to meet Hollybush Garden Centre’s high standards. 

Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications 

• Good oral communication skills. Ability to communicate with both customers and colleagues at all levels of seniority and liaise effectively with other internal departments 


• Good interpersonal and customer facing skills, able to empathise, maintain professionalism, display patience and politeness within a sometimes-pressurised environment 


• A conscientious, flexible and ‘can do’ working style.  Confidence to deal with difficult situations and to know when appropriate to seek guidance from line manager 


• Proven drive and enthusiasm for retail sales with a desire to update product knowledge and skill set where required   


• Good security awareness and understanding of the vulnerability of stock within a kitchen environment     


• Good attention to detail and ability to recognize the benefits of effective merchandising     


• Good team working skills and ability to work with minimal supervision     

Desirable Skills, Experience and Qualifications: 

• Level 2 food hygiene. 


• Allergen awareness. 


• A working knowledge of a Restaurant kitchen in a quick service environment. 


• Previous experience of working within a team environment. 


• Experience of working in a customer facing environment. 
   

Main Duties & responsibilities: 

• To willingly undertake any training as may be required in connection with working at Hollybush Garden Centre. 


• Properly clearing and sanitising all food preparation areas to establish excellent standards of hygiene.  


• Washing and storing all cooking appliances, instruments, utensils, cutting boards and dishes  


• Assist the cook with preparation and cooking of food.  


• Assisting with unloading deliveries, correctly storing all food supplies and recording delivery temperatures.  


• Stock rotation  


• Follow HACCP food and hygiene standards.  


• Temperature checks and recording.  


• Probe calibrations  


• Keep the kitchen area well stocked.  


• Have good knowledge of COSHH regulations  


• Have excellent processes of completing paper and due diligence.  


• To work together as a team under the direction and guidance of the Restaurant management team. 


• To have a full working knowledge of the Restaurant menu range of food and drink and associated allergens. 


• To be able and willing to work in all areas of the Restaurant, including Front of House, Counter, and Kitchen. 


• To maintain exceptional levels of personal and operational hygiene and to notify any concerns to the Restaurant management team. 


• To prepare Hot and Cold food to the restaurant standards. 


• To serve all Hot and Cold food to the restaurant 


•  standards. 


• To report any operational concerns to the Restaurant Management team. 


• To report any Health & Safety issues to the Restaurant Management team. 


• To notify the Restaurant Management team of any negative customer feedback in real time. 


• To respond in a positive manner to any reasonable request from the customer. 


• To always work safely. 

Personal: 

• High level of inter-personal skills 


• Enjoyment of team-working 


• Flexible ‘work ethic’ 


• Highly self-motivated 


• High standard of personal presentation