Back to Working With Sodexo

Kitchen Porter Job Description

Are you looking for a job that provides an opportunity to break into the Catering and Hospitality industry while providing a stable income, and regular shifts?

If so, you are in luck as a Kitchen Porter job can provide all of these things and what’s more, Blue Arrow recruits many Kitchen Porter’s for Sodexo to fulfil roles in hospitals, schools, military bases and at events.

If you are a reliable, trustworthy and enthusiastic about developing your skills, then a job as a Kitchen Porter may be the perfect job for you. 

What are the main duties of a Kitchen Porter?

A Kitchen Porter reports to all chefs within the kitchen environment. The role is made up of many varying responsibilities including:

  • Basic food preparation
  • Washing up, cleaning and clearing all kitchen areas
  • Unloading and putting away deliveries
  • Emptying bins, sweeping and mopping floors
  • Ensuring all equipment is clean and put away correctly
  • Deep cleaning fridges and store rooms to maintain sanitary and kitchen safety standards

To land a job as ­­­­a Kitchen Porter you will need­:

  • Level 1 Food Safety Award
  • Awareness of manual handling techniques
  • Awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety
  • Experience of kitchen equipment
  • Basic understanding of English

Desirable and useful but not necessary qualifications and skills include:

  • Level 2 Health and Safety in the Workplace Award
  • Level 2 Food Safety Awards
  • Experience of dangerous equipment such as knives
  • Any relevant experience in a commercial kitchen environment

Alongside some of these more general skills all good Commis Chefs should possess:

  • Basic food preparation skills such as vegetable preparation
  • Understanding of kitchen equipment
  • Understanding of cleaning kitchen equipment
  • Understanding of cleaning kitchen areas and surfaces
  • Ability to prepare and clear food service
  • Knowledge of kitchen health and safety
  • Knowledge of food hygiene practices
  • Good oral communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Good level of numeracy
  • Adaptability to change and willingness to embrace new ideas and processes
  • Positive and approachable manner
  • Team player qualities

If you are enthusiastic about self-development and embrace opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge whenever possible, you could build a long and rewarding career in catering and hospitality progressing to a role as a Commis Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef or Head Chef if desired.

Finding the right balance between your work and your lifestyle is really important, with a Kitchen Porter job you will often find that your shifts include days, evenings and weekends so be sure to consider your home and family commitments and choose a career that enables you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Being a Kitchen Porter can bring many varied challenges and learning opportunities depending on the location in which you work. You can find out more about each sector you could find yourself working in as a Kitchen Porter for Sodexo here. 

If you are looking to the future, then it is good to know that career progression prospects are excellent as a Kitchen Porter. The role provides the opportunity to learn and develop specialist skills and knowledge while gaining industry qualifications and experience.

While working as a Kitchen Porter you will gain a vast cross section of transferrable skills such as organisation, communication, problem-solving, multitasking, diligence and attention to detail that can be utilised in many roles and industries.

Ready to apply for a Kitchen Porter job? Click here to see our latest opportunities. 

Don’t underestimate yourself, check out our other catering roles and see if there is one more suited to your experience and qualifications. 

What's it like to be a Kitchen Porter?