Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant (Full-Time) — Maypole Care Home

Position: Kitchen Assistant

Location: Maypole Care Home, 99 Lower Northam Road, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4FS

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time (40-hour contract)

Salary: £13.30 – £14.30 per hour, depending on experience

About Us

As a supportive bridge staffing agency, we are proud to connect dedicated support and culinary professionals with exceptional residential environments. We are currently recruiting on behalf of Maypole Care Home—a welcoming community dedicated to delivering person-centred care, supporting independence, and helping residents live their best lives in a warm, family-oriented atmosphere.

Role Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Kitchen Assistant to join our fantastic culinary team. In this pivotal role, you will act as a vital link between the main kitchen and our residents, helping prepare, plate, and serve delicious meals that make every dining experience feel like home.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the bridge between the main kitchen and our residents, ensuring every meal is delivered with care and quality.

• Assist chefs with plating meals, preparing food trolleys, and maintaining immaculate, clean, and tidy preparation areas.

• Monitor stock rotation carefully, complying with company policies and strictly following mandatory COSHH and HACCP guidelines.

• Assist with catering for special events, celebrations, summer BBQs, and Christmas parties.

Key Requirements & Qualifications

• A true passion for food with previous experience working in a kitchen environment.

• Holding a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent).

• Excellent communication skills, a friendly disposition, and a desire to cherish those little moments with our residents.

• A strong commitment to maintaining safety, cleanliness, and high dining standards.

Exceptional Benefits Package

Working through our staffing partnership at Maypole unlocks an incredible array of wellbeing rewards and financial perks:

• Pay & Hours: Competitive hourly rate (£13.30 – £14.30/hr) on a permanent 40-hour full-time contract.

• Health & Wellbeing: 24/7 My Healthcare access (remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, and mental health support), a ~£350 annual healthcare product allowance, and a specialized Menopause Plan.

• Workplace Perks: Free meal on every shift, 28 days holiday, and an enhanced frontline sick pay scheme for financial reassurance during absences.

• Financial Flexibility & Support: Wagestream (early access to up to 40% of earned wages instantly), interest-free annual travel loans, and competitive Bupa pension plans.