Restaurant jobs in Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Purpose

The Kitchen Hand is responsible for supporting the kitchen team with food preparation, cleaning, dishwashing, storage, and general kitchen duties to ensure efficient daily operations. This role assists chefs and kitchen staff in maintaining high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, food safety, and operational readiness, contributing to a smooth and consistent guest dining experience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Kitchen Support

• Assist chefs and kitchen staff with basic food preparation tasks as directed
• Wash, peel, chop, and prepare ingredients according to kitchen requirements
• Support plating, portioning, and service preparation during busy periods
• Ensure kitchen work areas are kept clean, organised, and ready for service

2. Cleaning & Hygiene

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen, scullery, storage, and preparation areas
• Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, equipment, and service items promptly and thoroughly
• Clean work surfaces, floors, shelves, fridges, bins, and equipment according to cleaning schedules
• Ensure waste is removed and disposed of safely and hygienically
• Follow all hygiene, sanitation, food safety, company HACCP procedures, and food safety systems at all times

3. Operational Readiness

• Assist with opening and closing kitchen preparation as required
• Ensure clean equipment, crockery, cutlery, and utensils are available for service
• Replenish cleaning materials, kitchen supplies, and basic stock items when needed
• Report shortages, breakages, equipment faults, or maintenance issues to the Chef
• Support the kitchen team during service to maintain efficient workflow

4. Stock, Storage & Equipment Care

• Assist with receiving, unpacking, storing, and rotating stock as instructed
• Check deliveries against invoices or delivery notes and report any discrepancies, damages, or shortages to the Chef
• Ensure ingredients and supplies are stored neatly, safely, and according to food safety requirements
• Use kitchen equipment, cleaning materials, and utensils responsibly
• Help maintain organized dry storage, cold storage, and preparation areas
• Report damaged goods, expired items, or stock concerns to the Chef

5. Teamwork & Communication

• Work cooperatively with chefs, kitchen staff, front-of-house staff, and support departments
• Communicate clearly regarding stock needs, cleaning requirements, and operational issues
• Respond promptly to instructions and changing kitchen priorities
• Support a respectful, disciplined, and professional working environment
• Assist colleagues during busy periods to maintain smooth service deliver

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in a kitchen, restaurant, hospitality, or cleaning environment advantageous
• Basic understanding of hygiene, cleaning, and food safety practices
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work as part of a team
• Willingness to perform physically demanding work, including standing, lifting, carrying, and cleaning
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high kitchen standards

Competencies

Hygiene & Cleanliness

• Maintains clean, hygienic, and orderly kitchen areas
• Follows cleaning and food safety procedures consistently

Reliability & Accountability

• Arrives on time and completes assigned duties responsibly
• Takes ownership of cleanliness, preparation, and support tasks

Teamwork

• Works cooperatively with kitchen and front-of-house colleagues
• Supports colleagues during busy service periods

Attention to Detail

• Pays attention to cleanliness, storage, food safety, and preparation standards

Working Conditions

• Working primarily in the kitchen, scullery, storage, and preparation areas
• Working hours aligned to restaurant trade, including weekends, public holidays, and occasional evening services or functions
• Requires extended periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, washing, and cleaning
• Reports to Head Chef / Sous Chef

Work Location: In person