Driver / Kitchen Porter

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Driver / Kitchen Porter to manage transport and catering support duties within our school environment. This role involves delivery and logistics, back-of-house catering assistance, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to health and safety standards. The ideal candidate will ensure smooth transport of food and equipment, contribute to catering operations, and support hospitality events efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Transport food, beverages, catering supplies, and equipment between school locations and external suppliers promptly and accurately.
• Load, unload, and store catering stock and equipment following safe handling methods.
• Assist in setting up and breaking down equipment for school functions, events, and catering activities.
• Support day-to-day operations in the Catering Department, including food service and maintaining cleanliness.
• Operate school catering vehicles safely while maintaining cleanliness and performing routine vehicle checks.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and food hygiene regulations, reporting any hazards or incidents promptly.
• Deliver courteous customer service to pupils, staff, visitors, and colleagues, fostering good teamwork.
• Perform general porterage duties and assist in preparation and clearing of catering and hospitality areas.
• Participate in training and continuously develop relevant skills, including food safety, manual handling, and driver safety.

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Full, clean UK driving licence held for at least one year with no more than six penalty points, aged between 21 and 75.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and maintain reliability and punctuality.
• Good communication skills and a professional, positive attitude with a passion for excellent customer service.
• Physically capable of manual handling, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling heavy items safely.
• Understanding of hygiene, food safety, health and safety, and COSHH requirements.
• Flexible to work occasional evenings, weekends, and overtime to support school events.

Desirable:

• Experience driving vans or commercial vehicles.
• Previous background in catering, hospitality, delivery, porterage, or customer service roles.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or equivalent), knowledge of HACCP, and experience in educational or hospitality settings.
• Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge and familiarity with cleaning and catering equipment.

Equipment Use

• Operate catering vehicles, trolleys, food transport containers, and communication tools safely.
• Utilize cleaning materials adhering to COSHH guidelines and use PPE such as safety footwear and high-visibility clothing appropriately.
• Handle hospitality function equipment including tables, chairs, and serving units.

Benefits

• Access to a contributory pension scheme.
• Career development via Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.
• Digital GP services and comprehensive healthcare benefits for employees and immediate family.
• Travel discounts with various leading brands.
• Food shopping discounts at major retailers.
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets.
• Earn cash rewards redeemable across multiple brands.
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes.
• Discounts and offers extendable to friends and family.

Additional Information

• The role requires a commitment to the values, standards, and ethos of the school.
• Must strictly follow health and safety, food hygiene, and operational policies.
• Training and development are ongoing requirements to maintain and update competencies.