Assistant Cook duties and responsibilities

The primary duty of an 2025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Assistant Cook is to assist the Cook in the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. Their main duties include:

• Assisting the Cook in food preparation activities, such as cleaning, cutting, chopping and peeling food ingredients
• Cleaning and sanitising the food preparation areas based on company and industry hygiene codes and health and safety standards
• Washing, disinfecting and properly storing cooking and kitchen utensils and equipment
• Buying, weighing and storing ingredients and food supplies
• Operating a variety of kitchen appliances and instruments including cutters, knives, mixers and ovens
• Managing inventory, unloading supplies and organising the storeroom

Assistant Cook skills and qualifications

A successful 2025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Assistant Cook candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed to perform duties effectively. These qualifications include:

• Experience in kitchen operations
• In-depth understanding of food health and safety regulations
• Exceptional time management and organisational skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Exceptional physical stamina and strength
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Thoroughness and attention to detail

Assistant Cook experience requirements

Assistant Cooks have no specific work experience requirements. However, employers prefer candidates who have worked with a cook or have experience in a kitchen-related role. Applicants who have worked in restaurants, commercial kitchens, catering agencies and hotels are ideal for this role. Candidates can also receive valuable experience through volunteering. The ideal candidate should have a good understanding of the protocols and procedures of the food service industry, including health and safety standards. Candidates can receive experience through formal trainings and internships.

2025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Assistant Cook education and training requirements

A Cook Assistant is an entry role with minimal educational requirements. Candidates can be employed with a higher education college course, such as Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry, Level 1 Certificate in General Cookery and Level 2 Award in Food Safety. A Hospitality Team Member intermediate apprenticeship is also acceptable to some employers. Some companies will employ candidates with experience and then provide training to familiarise them with company procedures and policies.

Assistant Cook salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for Assistant Cook in the UK is £9.13 per hour. Actual pay may depend on the employer, location, experience, skills and qualifications, exact job duties and responsibilities.

Job description samples for related positions

Here are job description samples for related positions if you are not looking to recruit 2025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Assistant Cooks:

• Cook
• Chef