Kitchen Assistant

Introduction to YSJ University

Situated in the heart of the historic city of York, and with roots dating back to 1841, York St John University has a long and proud tradition as a distinguished higher education provider. Our success is founded on the quality of academic teaching and research, our thriving campus environment, our professional and pastoral support, and our values of an inclusive, innovative, and ambitious community with a strong sense of belonging.

The Team

The catering team provides student, staff and visitor feeding throughout the week from several catering outlets across the main campus and sports campus at Haxby Road. Providing breakfast, lunch, and retail items as well as catering for hospitality events, for internal and external customers.

The role

The University is looking for a kitchen assistant to join our Catering team and support the kitchen team in providing meals to students, staff, and visitors. The working pattern is 37 hours per week, 5 days out of 7. Hours of work may vary depending on business needs and scheduled weekend work for University Open Days and Hospitality Events at various points during the year, so a flexible working approach is a must. This position is term-time only, working 32 weeks.

Experience of working in a catering and hospitality environment is essential, and some knowledge of food hygiene and food allergens is desirable, but not essential, as full training will be given. High levels of personal hygiene are essential.

Required skills and experience

• Knowledge of basic food preparation tasks
• Knowledge of basic Food safety and health and safety requirements
• Able to work as part of a team.

Additional Information

Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

Your application will be reviewed shortly after it is submitted, and we will contact you shortly afterwards to confirm whether you will be invited to interview.

We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we encourage you to please apply as early as possible as we may consider closing earlier if we receive a high level of applications. If the vacancy is closed earlier, all pending applicants will be notified and provided with 24 hours' notice to submit an application. Application process support

We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate application form guidance below which provides advice about completing the application process.

If you require a reasonable adjustment in order to apply for this position please contact . Within the application form there is an opportunity for you to request a reasonable adjustment at the interview stage of the process, however if you wish to discuss this in further detail at any point in the process please do not hesitate to contact us. The following resource may help you adapt the device you are using to apply to suit your needs My Computer My Way (abilitynet.org.uk)

Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. Within the application process you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role. We are aware that AI can be helpful in shaping your responses, but we encourage you to share your answers in your own words.

Our benefits package

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including -

• Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
• Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists
• On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software
• Relocation expenses package for certain roles
• Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable to the role)

Further information about life at YSJ

Our attached 'further information' document below provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees.

Closing Date - Tuesday 25 August 2026 at midnight