Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Job description

About the role

Imperial College London is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the smooth running of the kitchen within our Early Years Education Centre at the South Kensington Campus.

This is a full-time, Monday to Friday role, predominantly working 09:15-17:15. You will help maintain high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and kitchen safety, supporting the Head Chef and Assistant Chef with food preparation and daily kitchen operations in a busy Early Years setting.

What you would be doing

You will help keep the kitchen and associated areas clean, safe and well organised, ensuring equipment, utensils, crockery and food preparation areas are maintained to a high standard. This will include washing up, supporting opening and closing checks, handling kitchen waste appropriately, and following cleaning schedules and food hygiene procedures.

You will also support the kitchen team with safe food service and basic food preparation, including transporting food, receiving and storing deliveries, and helping to ensure allergens and cross-contamination risks are managed carefully. You will communicate effectively with the Chef and wider team to support a safe, efficient and high-quality service for the Early Years Education Centre.

What we are looking for

• A responsible attitude towards health and safety, food hygiene and safe working practices
• A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, or the ability to gain this within one month
• Allergen training, or the ability to complete this within one month
• A good understanding of allergens and health and safety in a food environment
• An understanding of nutritional requirements for children under five
• The ability to work well as part of a team and follow instructions carefully
• Good organisational and time management skills
• The ability to remain calm in a busy kitchen environment
• A good standard of written and spoken English
• Excellent personal hygiene and a professional approach to working in an Early Years setting

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days' annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing

Further information

As this role is based in a nursery environment and involves working around young children, the successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Liz-Anne Des Vignes, Depurty EYEC Manager by email on [email protected]

Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday, 23 September 2026