Job Title: Kitchen Assistant
Reports to: Lead Chef
Department/Function: Kitchen
Location: High Force Hotel, Raby Estates
Hours: Permanent Full-Time
Salary: Competitive depending on age (Above NMW)
Reference: VA257-2026
About Raby
Raby is thriving, family-run estate under the stewardship of the Vane family, with a rich heritage and a forward-looking vision. Steeped in history, Raby Castle is surrounded by over 200 acres of beautiful parkland in County Durham, Raby has been home to generations of the Vane family and remains a vibrant destination offering tourism, hospitality, and events throughout the year.
In addition to Raby Castle and its grounds, the estate also includes High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most spectacular natural attractions, and the High Force Hotel, which offers accommodation and dining in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estate comprises extensive landholdings across County Durham and Shropshire, with a focus on sustainable land management and stewardship of the countryside.
Purpose of Job
The Kitchen Assistant supports the chefs in maintaining a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment. The role plays a key part in ensuring hygiene, cleanliness and compliance standards are consistently achieved, enabling the kitchen team to operate efficiently and safely.
This position is essential to the overall performance of the kitchen and directly contributes to food safety, operational efficiency and professional standards.
High Force Hotel delivers traditional English cuisine in a heritage setting within Raby Estates. Our kitchen culture priorities high standards of hygiene and food safety, organisation and discipline in all working areas, teamwork and mutual support, and consistency in standards across all services. The Kitchen Assistant plays an important role in upholding this environment.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
Kitchen Cleanliness and Hygiene
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen at all times
- Take responsibility for deep cleaning tasks in line with cleaning schedules
- Ensure dry stores, refrigerators, freezers, appliances and utensils are kept clean, organised and in good condition
- Maintain cleanliness of floors, surfaces, walls, sinks and structural areas of the kitchen
- Support the kitchen team in ensuring the working environment remains hygienic during and after service
Level of Responsibility
The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for day to day cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen environment, supporting hygiene compliance through cleaning and safe working practices, and assisting chefs with preparation and operational tasks. Food production responsibility and team supervision remains with the chef team.
Skills Requires
- Ability to follow instructions and procedures carefully
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Key Requirements:
Qualifications
No specific qualification is stipulated for this role.
Knowledge/Experience
- Understanding of hygiene and cleanliness standards
- Previous kitchen experience is desirable but not essential
- Reliability and a strong work ethic
- High personal standards of cleanliness and organisation
- Willingness to support the wider team
- A careful and responsible approach to safety and hygiene
- A positive and cooperative attitude
What we have to Offer
- Attractive salary
- 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
- Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
- Group Life Insurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
- Free on-site car parking
- Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
- Discounts for stays at Raby’s High Force Hotel
- Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
- A behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle
- Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
- A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
- A role that is dynamic, engaging, and never predictable—no two days will be the same!
- A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.
How to apply
If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience, and personality to undertake this role, please apply below.
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