Summary
**Important notice**
In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.
The National Trust is renowned for its food and hospitality. We run 185 cafes, tea-rooms and restaurants all over England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we'd love you to join us.
We’re looking for a Kitchen Assistant. In this role, you’d be making a real difference to the work of the National Trust, as well as helping to give people a memorable day out.
This location is in a rural area, so please think about how you’d get here for work, before applying for the job.
Contract type: This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts.
Contract duration: Fixed term contract until 14th September 2026
Working pattern: Weekend work is essential with flexible varying shift patterns between 9am and 5pm
Salary: £12.25 per hour
Interview date: 30th and 31st January
Internally you'll be known as 'Food & Beverage Team Member'.
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Benefits: We want to help you look after the things that matter to you, such as saving for your future, getting a discount on your weekly shop, or encouraging you to find a work-life balance. Please read our package, below, to see what benefits we offer you. To find out more about what it’s like to work in a food and beverage team for the National Trust,
What you'll be doing
We’re looking for a Kitchen Assistant to help out in our busy kitchen. In this role, you’d be making a real difference to the work of the National Trust, as well as helping to give people a memorable day out.
As a Kitchen Assistant, your main focus will be back of house, helping out our small friendly kitchen team. With your ‘can-do’ attitude and your desire to provide an outstanding service, you’ll be making sure everyone has an enjoyable experience. This is a lively business that’s constantly on the go, so teamwork and adaptability are crucial.
You’ll be keen to understand what people want to eat and you’ll always keep the standards of food preparation and presentation high.
Your role will include making sandwiches, prepping food for the day ahead and baking. At times, you may need to help the cafe team with serving food to customers.
We’ll give you an induction that fits the job, and training in allergens and food safety, plus any mentoring needed to help you in your role. You can sign up for further professional training and development if you wish.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
Who we're looking for
No experience is needed, but we’d love to hear from you if you’re:
1. happy to work in a team or on your own initiative.
2. a people person, who cares about giving great service.
3. enthusiastic and willing to learn.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
4. Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
5. Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
6. Rental deposit loan scheme
7. Season ticket loan
8. EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
9. Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
10. Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
11. Flexible working whenever possible
12. Employee assistance programme
13. Free parking at most Trust places