Canteen Assistant.

Title: Canteen Assistant
Department: Mise en Place Ltd T/A School Catering
Reporting into: Canteen Supervisor
CI 9 - 10.50 per hour depending on experience. Contributory Healthcare and Pension.
45 hours a week

Job Purpose

The Canteen Assistant works closely with the Canteen Supervisor, Chefs, and wider School Catering team to provide students and faculty with a safe, efficient, friendly, and nutritious food service experience.
This role supports food preparation, service, POS operation, deliveries, cleaning, and day-to-day canteen duties while maintaining high standards of hygiene, food safety, professionalism, and teamwork. The Canteen Assistant may also be asked to assist with other operational duties as required.
Responsibilities
Food Preparation and Kitchen Support

• Assist with preparing school meals, cold items, snacks, and other food items according to set guidelines.

• Support Cooks and kitchen staff before, during, and after service as required.

• Help ensure meals are ready on time and that adequate quantities are available for service.

• Restock supplies, assist with packaging, and complete general kitchen duties as assigned.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Service and POS Operation

Work as part of the team to provide efficient service and good flow in the service area.
Operate the POS system and complete cashiering duties accurately and professionally.

Serve students and staff in a friendly, polite, and professional manner.

Follow portion controls and nutritional requirements during service.
Sanitation and Hygiene

Keep work areas clean and use the correct utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment.

Ensure utensils, cookware, dishes, cups, and glassware are clean and sanitary.

Keep equipment, fridges, ovens, work surfaces, and floors clean and sanitary.

Remove garbage promptly and keep the kitchen and service areas free from clutter.
Help monitor kitchen and cleaning supplies and advise when items need to be replenished.

Maintain high standards of hygiene and sanitation while complying with Department of Environmental Health requirements.

Follow MEP’s school uniform and personal hygiene requirements, including appropriate clothing, jewelry, hair, and nails.

Kitchen Equipment

Help maintain kitchen equipment and notify the Supervisor immediately of any faulty or unsafe equipment.

Ensure equipment and utensils are cleaned, stored correctly, and kept ready for use.
Customer Service and Teamwork

Provide excellent customer service to students, staff, and school contacts.
Work collaboratively with Supervisors, Chefs, and kitchen staff to ensure duties are completed efficiently.

Assist with washing dishes and other shared team tasks when required.

Act as a positive ambassador for MEP and YUM.
Delivery Responsibilities

Deliver and pick up food from Red Bay Kitchen to Marie Martin School, and/or other locations as required.

Verify order accuracy before departure to ensure deliveries are correct and complete.

Help organize, load, and safely transport delivery orders with correct packaging.

Maintain a clean, organized, and well-presented vehicle and delivery uniform at all times.

Follow all traffic laws, road safety guidelines, and company driving policies.

Communicate clearly with Supervisors and Managers regarding delivery updates, delays, or issues.
Key Qualifications and Skills

• Basic food hygiene knowledge; certification is an advantage.

• Experience in a commercial or fast-paced kitchen is an advantage.
• Able to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality service.

• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently.

• Positive attitude and ability to work well as part of a team.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.

• Able to follow instructions and work without constant supervision.

• Uses initiative and works efficiently to complete assigned duties.

• Able to stand for long periods of time and meet the physical demands of the role.

• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Fully literate in English, both written and oral, and able to read and understand instructions, warning labels, and equipment manuals.
• Excellent personal hygiene and good working knowledge of hygienic food handling.
• Able to remain calm and professional, especially when working around children.
• Comfortable working in an environment that may be noisy and may include hot surfaces, chemicals, and cleaning products.

Required Certifications

• CI DEH Food Handler’s Basic Hygiene Class: required every 3 years.
• CI MOE Child Safety Workshop: online training required every 3 years.
• CI MOE Darkness to Light training: online training required every 3 years.
• Protecting God’s Children Workshop: required for St. Ignatius only.

Other Requirements

• Applicants must have a no-convictions police record.
• A valid Cayman Islands Driver’s License is preferred.
• Qualified Caymanians and Permanent Residents are strongly encouraged to apply.