Castle Howard is looking for an enthusiastic Chef Assistant to join our friendly kitchen and café team.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to start or develop their career in catering, with full training and guidance provided. You’ll gain hands-on experience in both bakery production and café kitchen service, with the option to progress towards a formal apprenticeship if desired.

This role offers daytime hours, no super-early starts or late-night shifts, giving you a great work-life balance in a unique and inspiring heritage environment.

Typical shifts:

• Fixed daytime hours – 7:30am–4:00pm, with evenings free.
• Occasional evenings for special events.
• Weekend shifts shared across the team (not every weekend).

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist with preparing bakery items and café dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Support the kitchen team during busy service periods.
• Learn how to follow recipes and develop skills in food preparation and presentation.
• Help maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Work with the team to minimise waste and keep stock areas well supplied.
• Follow Castle Howard’s food safety and Health & Safety policies.
• Undertake other reasonable duties to support the catering team as required.

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience:

• No previous professional kitchen experience required – training will be provided.
• A genuine interest in food, cooking, or baking.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Punctual, reliable, and enthusiastic.

Desirable:

• Basic food preparation or kitchen experience (e.g., café, restaurant, school/college
• course).
• An interest in completing a catering apprenticeship.
• Knowledge of basic food hygiene.

What We Offer:

• Full uniform provided.
• A beautiful working environment within one of the UK’s most iconic stately homes.
• Fixed daytime hours – 7:30am–4:00pm, with evenings free.
• Occasional evenings for special events.
• Staff discounts, free parking, and meals on duty.
• Training and development opportunities, with the potential to complete a catering apprenticeship.
• A supportive, welcoming team to help you build confidence and skills.