Job Description

Job Title: Part-Time Chai Pre-mix Blending & Packaging Assistant (Freelance Contract)

Company: Ghar Ki Chai (Indian spiced tea) - London, UK. Website - https://gharkichai.co

Location: Home-based in South-east London (work will be conducted in a dedicated utility/kitchen area at a private residence)

Hours: 1-2 hours per week to start (flexible scheduling; potential to increase hours as demand grows)

Contract Type: Freelance / Contract basis (Self-employed) - This is not a permanent employed role. No benefits. Hourly pay.

Pay Rate: Competitive hourly rate, based on experience - to be discussed.

About Us:

Ghar Ki Chai was envisioned in 2020 to recreate the comfort, warmth, and nostalgia of authentic Indian chai - the kind made at home, not mass-produced. Our blends are inspired by family recipes and everyday rituals, crafted to deliver a rich, authentic chai experience in under a minute.

We are a small, founder-led London business, handcrafting premium instant chai blends using carefully sourced tea and spices. Every batch is made with care, consistency, and attention to detail. As we grow, we are looking for someone trustworthy and aligned with our values to help bring these blends to life behind the scenes and grow with the brand over time.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented assistant to help produce our chai blends on a part-time basis. You will be responsible for mixing/blending pre-measured ingredients according to our recipes and then packing the blended chai into pouches for retail sale. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work with food ingredients, has high cleanliness standards, and is looking for very part-time, flexible work. (There is significant potential for this role to expand in the future; as we grow, we envision this person taking on more responsibilities in operations and brand representation.)

Key Responsibilities:

Blend Ingredients: Accurately measure and mix tea leaves, spices, and other ingredients using our provided recipes and electric blender. Ensure consistency in each batch by following recipe instructions closely (e.g., correct proportions and blending times). Packaging: Fill the blended chai into packaging pouches, add labels, and seal them properly. Pay attention to correct weights per packet and make sure each pack is sealed airtight and presentable for customers. Quality Control: Check the quality of ingredients before use (e.g., freshness, aroma) and of the final blend (uniformity of mix). Report any issues or inconsistencies in the blend to the owner. Ensure each packet is labeled with the correct blend name and batch date. Hygiene & Safety: Maintain a scrupulously clean workspace. Sanitize blending equipment and surfaces before and after each session . Adhere to all food safety standards during handling (wear provided gloves, hairnet, apron). Keep records of cleaning schedules and any observations related to food safety. Follow our Allergen Handling protocol to avoid cross-contamination (some blends may contain allergens - you'll be trained on this). Inventory Assistance: Notify the owner when ingredient supplies are running low or packaging materials need reordering. Help with unpacking and storing ingredient shipments occasionally (light lifting up to ~5kg may be required). Contribution to Improvement: As you become familiar with the process, feel free to suggest efficiency improvements or recipe tweaks. We value input from our team, especially if you have experience with chai/spices. Over time, you might also assist with new recipe trials or small-scale product development.
Requirements:

Food Safety Certification: Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate for catering or food manufacturing(required) . You must understand and practice proper food handling and hygiene at all times. (If you don't have this certification but are willing to obtain it immediately, please mention that.) Experience: Prior experience in food preparation, mixing, or baking/cooking (even at home) is highly desirable. Any experience with Indian cooking or chai/spice blending is a strong plus. We're looking for someone who is comfortable working with raw ingredients (powders, spices etc.) and using kitchen equipment. Knowledge: Familiarity with Indian chai spices (like cardamom, ginger, etc.) is a bonus. Basic knowledge of English (to read recipes and labels) is required. Physical Ability: You should be able to do light manual work - standing during the blending/packing process and lifting small boxes of ingredients or a blender (nothing very heavy; typically < 2 to 5kg). Attention to Detail: This is critical - you will be dealing with precise recipes and packaging for sale. You must be meticulous in measuring ingredients, keeping the work area clean, and ensuring no mix-ups between different chai blends. Quality and consistency are key. Reliability & Integrity: Since this work is in a home setting, trustworthiness is essential. We may be a small operation, but we uphold professional standards - you should be punctual for the agreed work times and follow instructions carefully. We will respect your time and schedule, so we expect open communication and reliability in return. Personal Traits: We'd love someone who is enthusiastic about chai and Indian culture, as our brand story is all about authenticity and warmth. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and the ability to work independently are important. As we are small, everyone's contribution counts - a friendly and collaborative spirit will fit right in. Eligibility: Must be legally eligible to work in the UK (we will ask for ID/right-to-work documents). Fluent in either English or Hindi/Punjabi/Urdu (any South Asian language) is fine - bilingual is a plus as many of our customers have South Asian heritage.
What We Offer:

Flexibility: This role currently requires only a couple of hours per week, and we can arrange those hours to mutual convenience (for example, a Saturday morning or a weekday evening, as long as orders are fulfilled). As the business grows, there will be more hours available if you want them. Training & Support: We will provide initial training on our recipes, equipment (how to use the blender, heat sealer for packets, etc.), and our hygiene protocols. You'll work alongside the owner initially until you're confident to work solo. Ongoing guidance will always be available when needed. Growth Opportunity: You will be the first hire in a growing startup. For the right person, this could evolve into a larger role with more hours and responsibilities (such as supervising production, coordinating logistics, or even representing the brand at events/markets). We want to invest in someone who can grow with us - potentially becoming an Operations Manager or Brand Ambassador in the future. This is a chance to get in at the ground floor of an exciting small business. Tea Perks: Of course, you'll get to enjoy plenty of chai! We'll provide free samples of all our blends and you'll learn a lot about the art of chai-making. We're happy to accommodate taste tests and provide you with complimentary tea for your personal use as a perk. Pay & Contract: Hourly pay (paid weekly or monthly as preferred) with rate depending on experience/skills. As a freelance contractor, you will invoice us for your hours and will not be on PAYE. We will have a simple contract in place to outline the arrangement. No additional benefits are included given the part-time freelance nature, but we aim to provide a respectful, enjoyable work environment.
How to Apply:

If this role sounds like a perfect fit for you, please get in touch! To apply, please send us:

1. A brief note or cover letter explaining your interest in the role and any relevant experience (especially with food, chai, or spice blending).

2. Your CV or a summary of your work history/skills.

3. Confirmation that you have (or are willing to obtain) the Level 2 Food Safety certificate, and your availability (which days/times could you work the 1-2 hours).

Email your application to contact@gharkichai.co with the subject line "Chai Blending Assistant Application". Or, you can WhatsApp +447545263106 to introduce yourself and we can arrange a chat.

We look forward to welcoming someone who shares our passion for chai and quality! If you have any questions about the role, feel free to reach out. Thank you for your interest in Ghar Ki Chai.

Job Types: Part-time, Freelance

Work Location: In person