Senior Kitchenhand

We are seeking an experienced Senior Kitchenhand to join our busy kitchen team in Palmerston North. This is a full-time position requiring a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week.

Unlike an entry-level kitchenhand position, this role involves substantial food preparation responsibilities and requires the employee to work closely with our cooks in preparing ingredients, house-made sauces and other food components for daily service.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepare meat, seafood and vegetables for cooking, including cutting, trimming, portioning and marinating ingredients according to the kitchen's preparation specifications.

• Prepare house-made sauces, marinades, dressings, seasoning mixtures and other food components by following established recipes and specified measurements.

• Assist cooks with the preparation of dishes by completing assigned preparation and pre-cooking processes before service.

• Measure, weigh and portion ingredients accurately according to recipes and required serving quantities.

• Carry out preliminary food preparation and cooking processes, including blanching, boiling, steaming, frying and reheating ingredients as directed by the cooks.

• Prepare and organise ingredients and food components required for each service period to ensure cooks have the necessary items readily available.

• Check prepared ingredients for freshness, quality and correct portioning before they are provided to the cooking station.

• Monitor prepared ingredients and replenish sauces, marinades and other food components during service to maintain an efficient workflow.

• Assist with receiving food supplies and check the quantity, condition and freshness of delivered ingredients before storage.

• Rotate and store raw and prepared ingredients appropriately in accordance with food safety requirements and stock rotation procedures.

• Monitor ingredient and kitchen supply levels and report shortages or replenishment requirements to the cook or manager.

• Provide practical guidance to junior or newly appointed kitchenhands on food preparation procedures, kitchen routines, hygiene requirements and safe use of kitchen equipment.

• Maintain food preparation areas, cooking equipment, utensils and storage areas to the required hygiene and food safety standards.

• Assist cooks and other kitchen staff during busy service periods to ensure food preparation is completed accurately and on time.

Requirements

• At least 6 months of relevant work experience in a commercial kitchen or similar food preparation environment.

• Ability to accurately follow recipes, measurements, portion specifications and food preparation instructions.

• Practical knowledge of basic food preparation and pre-cooking techniques.

• Good knowledge of food hygiene, safe food handling, temperature control and prevention of cross-contamination.

• Ability to organise preparation work efficiently and work independently under the direction of cooks.

• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced commercial kitchen.

• Good physical fitness and ability to undertake standing, lifting and repetitive kitchen duties.

• Reliability and flexibility to work rostered shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

We look forward to receiving your application.