Head Kitchen Porter

Overview

We are recruiting a Head Kitchen Porter to join the team at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on a full-time, permanent basis. This key position offers a salary of approximately £29,249 annually alongside a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, complimentary meals while on duty, and additional advantages.

Role Purpose

The Head Kitchen Porter ensures the efficient and hygienic operation of the arena's kitchen facilities. This pivotal back-of-house role involves maintaining cleanliness and order within the kitchen environment, managing dishwashing duties, cleaning work areas, assisting with basic food prep, handling deliveries, and supporting overall kitchen operations to enable chefs to focus on food preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the casual kitchen porter team during both event and non-event periods, ensuring all kitchen zones remain spotless, orderly, and ready for presentation.
• Foster a positive and courteous atmosphere by engaging respectfully and promptly with colleagues and guests.
• Operate dishwashing machinery and other cleaning equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness of all kitchen surfaces, including shelves, floors, walls, cupboards, grease filters, and grease traps.
• Regularly empty and clean waste bins to keep the kitchen and adjacent areas free from debris.
• Follow instructions and procedures set by the lead kitchen porter or head chef to sustain effective kitchen operations.
• Adhere strictly to company standards and demonstrate pride in maintaining kitchen hygiene and organization.
• Continuously seek knowledge and skill improvements to enhance job performance.
• Comply fully with health and safety, food safety, hygiene, allergen awareness, manual handling, and COSHH regulations and company policies.
• Take personal responsibility for health and safety by wearing necessary personal protective equipment and following safety guidelines.
• Maintain a cheerful and enthusiastic approach to work to contribute to a positive and enjoyable workplace.

Candidate Profile

• Physical fitness to endure standing for lengthy periods and handling heavy lifting in a dynamic, fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong attention to detail to uphold exemplary cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• An effective team player who collaborates well with kitchen staff and other colleagues.
• Dependable, punctual, and consistently reliable in completing duties.
• Flexible attitude with a readiness to adjust to shifting priorities and tasks.
• Good time management skills for prioritizing and completing tasks within established deadlines.
• Proactive initiative to identify and address tasks independently with minimal supervision.
• Basic communication abilities to understand instructions and interact smoothly with others.
• Awareness of fundamental food hygiene and safety protocols.
• A strong work ethic and willingness to take on extra responsibilities to help maintain kitchen operations.
• Availability to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Previous experience managing a casual team or working in a similar environment is advantageous but not mandatory; training will be provided.
• Must meet legal employment requirements and possess any necessary health and safety certifications.

Additional Information

Working for this role means becoming part of a respected company within Compass Group UK&I, providing opportunities for career progression, competitive remuneration, excellent perks, and a supportive, inclusive culture that values diversity and fosters personal growth.