41 Kitchen Assistant jobs in South Africa

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· For all food preparation by following recipes provided

· To maintain a clean working environment

· To ensure kitchen areas are clean and tidy throughout the shift

· To develop and maintain excellent food hygiene standards

· To give manager feedback on any issues that could affect the smooth running of the business

· Daily stock monitoring to prevent out of stock situations

· To maintain write off & production reports

· Checking and accepting deliveries based on purchase orders

· To assist in daily and weekly stock takes

· To manage all stock and the rotation process to minimize losses and prevent unnecessary wastage.

· Perform any other tasks as required by Management, should these arise, to ensure the smooth running of the operation of the company

· To ensure the companies aim of high standards and quality customer service.

CRITERIA NEEDED:

· To have a good working knowledge of the menu and non-menu items

· Adhere to regulated quantities with regards to minimizing wastage and maximizing profits

· To follow health and safety guide lines in relation to food service

· To create a positive atmosphere in the work place

· Promote teamwork and communication within the work environment

· Must be self-motivated

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

• What is your expected Cost to Company?

Work Location: In person

To prepare food in accordance with menu specifications and production requirements, ensuring quality and consistency. The role also includes maintaining continuous cleanliness of the work area and ensuring all kitchen equipment is cleaned and maintained according to hygiene standards.

• Prepares ingredients and assembles food items according to station-specific recipes and standards
• Maintains consistency in portion sizes and presentation
• Uses the correct equipment according to the specific airline / customer requirements
• Completes all extras / additional meals as instructed
• Cleans tools, surfaces and equipment before, during and after use according to approved procedures
• Maintains a neat, tidy, organised and sanitised workstation throughout the food preparation process
• Follows proper food handling and hygiene standards and uses the correct PPE at all times
• Uses stock according to approved rotation processes and procedures
• Complies with all requirements related to security, SHEQ, HACCP, food safety regulations and operational policies and procedures

• Grade 12 (NQF level 4) / equivalent
• Must be willing to undergo internal food safety and HACCP training
• 0 – 6 months experience in any environment

• Communication
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision

• Positive attitude, adaptability and willingness to learn
• Attention to detail
• Team player
• Punctual and reliable
• Willingness to work in different departments and assist in different workstations
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to work shifts, weekends and public holidays

Air Chefs SOC Ltd is a premium food solutions company with over 40 years of experience. A wholly owned subsidiary of South African Airways, we are uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional food and hospitality services across air, corporate, and event sectors. With three strategically located operational units in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, we have the capacity to produce over 5000 meals daily, serving domestic and international airlines, airport lounges, events, and corporate canteens.

Kleinbosch has an exciting new position for a Kitchen assistant to join the production kitchen team.

Requirements

• A completed National Senior Certificate qualification (matric / Grade 12).

• 2–3 years' relevant experience in a food production or processing environment.

• Good comprehension, ability to adapt, and a fast learner.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of the ready-to-eat meal manufacturing process.

• Willingness to work overtime, night shift and over weekends when operationally required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out general tasks in the production kitchen plant.

• Comply with food safety, health and safety, and housekeeping requirements.

• Assist with production and labelling activities.

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant

Reports to: Kitchen Manager

Department: Kitchen Assistant

Job Summary:

The Kitchen Assistant provides support to the kitchen team in preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This includes maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment, assisting with food preparation, and performing various tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with food preparation, including chopping, peeling, and washing ingredients

• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment and workstations

• Assist with cooking and plating dishes as directed by senior kitchen staff

• Follow all kitchen safety and sanitation procedures

• Receive and store food and supplies, ensuring proper inventory management

• Assist with basic administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and tracking inventory

• Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth service and high-quality food

Requirements:

• Previous experience in a kitchen environment, either in a professional or domestic setting

• Basic knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation procedures

• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

• Physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects, and perform repetitive tasks

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality

Skills:

• Basic cooking techniques and kitchen procedures

• Food safety and sanitation procedures

• Time management and organization

• Teamwork and communication

• Attention to detail and quality control

Working Conditions:

• Work in a kitchen environment with hot temperatures, loud noises, and fast-paced atmosphere

• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

• May be required to lift heavy objects, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive tasks

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• Kitchen assistant : 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

To assist in the hot kitchen preparation, cooking, and storage of all food items. Must be knowledgeable about the section of the kitchen they are responsible for. Must adhere to all Health & Safety HACCP and Food Safety regulations including good manufacturing processes. Must demonstrate and maintain high levels of customer service at all times.

Reporting to the: Kitchen team lead

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Ensure all the mis-en-place is prepared on time and kept fresh.
• Responsible for the cooking of the food.
• Ensure you have and maintain all the required resources and equipment
• Ensure all food is prepared as per the approved menu and per set standards.
• Ensure your food preparation stations are kept clean.
• Complete all documents correctly temperature log sheets, personal hygiene log sheet etc, wastage, prep
• Maintain a positive and professional approach with co-workers and customers.
• Basic knowledge of best cooking practices required

2. Inventory Management

• Ensure only clean and safe equipment (no chips on the plates etc.) is used all the time.
• Be aware of stock movement and be responsible when requestioning to fill sections.
• Keep the necessary record of breakages and losses and report to team lead.
• Ensure minimum kitchen wastage.
• Make sure that all storage areas packed neatly and kept clean

Minimum qualifications and experience:

• Matric or equivalent (NQF 4).
• Basic Computer literacy on various computer software programs (MS Office).

Skills and Attributes:

• Good cooking skills.
• Knowledge of cooking ingredients, equipment, and processes.
• Time management and flexible.
• Quality driven, inspiring personality and trustworthy.
• Well-groomed.
• Excellent communication skills and good active listening skills.

Address is, Claremont, Western Cape 7740:

Should you wish to apply for the above position kindly forward your application by no later than 20 October 2025.

Please note that if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks after the closing date, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Contract length: 3 months

Pay: R30,00 - R35,00 per hour

Expected hours: 45 per week

Work Location: In person

Position: kitchen worker/salad prep and fresh items

Salary: 5600 basic (does not include overtime, sundays, public holidays)

Location: 20km radius from kitchen (claremont and town)

Role description: to prepare and assemble all salads, sandwiches and wraps. Cooking and making of all in-house sauces. Preparing all fresh vegetables and garnish. Basic cooking and prepping of chicken, pork and beef products. Cooking grains. Handling online orders through uber eats, packaging final products.

Basic experience required:

• 6months or more in a kitchen/food based industry
• preferably in fresh/salad prep and presentation

Standard shift requirements:

• able to work night shifts, weekends, and public holidays

Basic skills required:

1. Food Preparation Skills:

2. Knife Skills:Precise and efficient chopping, dicing, and slicing of vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients is essential.

3. Ingredient Knowledge:Understanding the preparation and handling of various fresh ingredients, including proper cleaning and storage techniques, is crucial.
4. Salad Assembly:Being able to assemble salads according to recipes, ensuring proper layering and presentation.
5. Portion Control:Maintaining consistent portion sizes to minimize waste and ensure accurate serving.

6. Basic Cooking (sometimes):May include tasks like reducing sauces, cooking meats or parboiling vegetables, especially in a more comprehensive kitchen role.

7. Food Safety and Sanitation:

8. Understanding Food Safety Standards:Adhering to proper food handling procedures to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

9. Maintaining a Clean Workspace:Regularly cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces, equipment, and utensils.
10. Proper Storage:Knowing how to store ingredients to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

11. Waste Management:Properly disposing of food waste and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.

12. Other Important Skills:

13. Ability to Work Quickly and Efficiently: Handling a high volume of orders while maintaining quality is crucial.

14. Teamwork: Collaborating with other kitchen staff and management to ensure smooth service.
15. Physical Stamina: Being able to stand for extended periods and handle repetitive tasks.
16. Organizational Skills: Managing multiple tasks and maintaining a well-organized workstation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From R5 900,00 per month

Work Location: In person

Kitchen Assistant

Duties & Responsibilities:

Kitchen prep work like cutting vegetables, meats, etc.

Basic cooking (frying, grilling, warming up of foods).

Making and dishing orders.

General kitchen cleaning.

Requirements:

At least 2 years experience as a kitchen assistant.

Must have own transport.

Must be honest, trustworthy and reliable.

Should you fit all of the above criteria, please email your CV to Sherika:

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Location: Kuilsriver, Cape Town

Start Date: As soon as possible (to be confirmed)

Salary: To be discussed during the interview process

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Kitchen Assistant to support daily kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will be fluent in both English and Afrikaans, have prior experience working in a kitchen environment, and be passionate about maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organization, and food preparation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with meal preparation by washing, chopping, and organizing ingredients.
• Prepare snacks for children, ensuring freshness and variety.
• Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Keep the kitchen clean, neat, and well-organized at all times.
• Manage waste disposal and maintain hygiene standards.
• Assist with inventory control and monitor supplies.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards.
• Support chefs and kitchen staff with daily tasks as needed.

Requirements:

• Fluent in English and Afrikaans.
• Prior kitchen experience (dishwashing, cleaning, food preparation, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable, punctual, and responsible.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to hygiene and safety.

Position Details:

• Role: Kitchen Assistant
• Work Days: Monday – Friday
• Work Hours: 06:30 – 15:30
• Start Date: ASAP (to be confirmed)

This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in maintaining a well-run kitchen, enjoys working with food, and has the energy and commitment to support a busy kitchen team.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From R5 000,00 per month

Experience:

• Kitchen: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)
• Afrikaans (Required)

Work Location: In person

• Support Team in daily food preparation and basic cooking tasks.
• Wash, peel, chop, and portion ingredients as required.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in kitchen areas, utensils, and equipment.
• Follow food safety and hygiene regulations at all times.
• Assist in receiving, unpacking, and storing deliveries properly.
• Dispose of waste safely and keep workstations tidy.
• Help with plating and garnishing under chef supervision.
• Ensure stock is rotated and report shortages to management.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment as part of the team.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by chefs or kitchen supervisors.

Please include latest CV with photo.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: R2 000,00 - R4 000,00 per month

Expected hours: 24 – 100 per week

Language:

• English (Preferred)

Work Location: In person