Job Description

Wild Things Play Project is looking for an exceptional individual to head up the kitchen at our new location in Plymouth. This is a key role to the business as we expand into a new city, taking our business from one site to two.

Wild Things Play Project is an exciting indoor play business reinventing the idea of 'soft play,' setting up shop within large retail destinations. Using all natural materials (with no plastic in sight), our first location at The Mall in Cribbs Causeway opened in the summer of 2022, where we have seen sustained growth (in both revenue and footfall) month on month.

We are now looking people to support the Centre Manager in our new location in Drake Circus, Plymouth. This person will be responsible for running the food operation in a busy cafe. They will report to the Centre Manager.

The menu in the cafe is based around pizza, but also includes Jacket Potatoes, Pasta, Salads, sandwiches and paninis. The kitchen assistant will be responsible for quickly preparing food orders to a consistently high standard.

This is a very hands on roll. We expect the cafe to be busy, but as it's a relatively simple menu the kitchen assistant will often be working alone (on quiet days) but sometimes leading a small kitchen team on busy days. As well as taking responsibility for consistently delivering excellent food, they will be in charge of keeping the kitchen immaculately clean, whilst sticking to all relevant food hygiene standards

This job will suit someone with a track record of working well individually as well as in a team, will be a self-starter and highly self motivated. As a 7-day-a-week business, you will be expected to work over some weekends.

We hope that the Kitchen Assistant will develop a sense of ownership over the centre, and they will be encouraged to try new ways to expand the menu to increase revenue and delivery what our customers want; working with the Centre Manager to implement any learnings from our other site(s). This is reflected in a very competitive basic salary.

With several more locations in the pipeline, we are hoping to expand the business rapidly, withPlymouth becoming our flag ship centre. As such, future sites will look to Plymouth in regards to its operation, and how it can both increase revenue and manage overhead costs (particularly in regards to staffing). So managing and documenting these things will be a key part of the role.

This job is scheduled to start in December (while the centre is under construction) with the first week dedicated to training, with doors opening early December in time for the busy Christmas trading period.

Requirements for Kitchen Assistant

A HANDS-ON worker with at least 2 years experience in a commercial kitchen.

- Would suit someone up to a Chef de Partie level.

- Background in catering essential, with demonstrable experience in kitchen management.

- Background in hospitality highly desirable, with a particular focus on anything around children and their parents/grand parents.

Experience in managing a small team of people and everything that involves (particularly regarding employee morale).

- Experience with back of house systems and paperwork - including safety checks, cleaning schedules, fridge temp recording, fire alarm testing, stock rotation etc

- Experience with children in general is highly beneficial

Qualifications in food hygiene, first aid and other relevant training is beneficial.

We are looking for someone who understands and believes in our mission - please see our company page on Indeed for more information

Above all else, we are looking for someone who is excellent with both children and their parents.

Responsibilities for Kitchen Assistant

Opening / closing the kitchen

- delivering the menu in a fast, efficient and consistently high quality manner.

- working with the centre manager to adapt the menu offer, trying new recipes

Working with the Centre Manager to ensure all stock levels are kept up to date, so the cafe and kitchen functions efficiently. Managing wholesale suppliers

Responsible for overall cleanliness and tidiness of the kitchen, managing any 3rd party cleaning contractors when necessary, but taking a hands on lead in cleaning on a daily basis.

The centre is open 7 days a week, so you will be required to work on weekends and holidays, as the rota dictates.

The position is a 30hr contract, potentially working up to 40 hours a week

Benefits

Competitive salary with a good amount of annual holiday

- Possibility to increase take-home pay on a performance related basis

- Calm, gentle working environment with a great team.

Discount in stores around Drake Circus

Casual workwear

discounted parking

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 12.44 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount On-site parking Store discount
Application question(s):

We are open 364 days a year, so working on some weekends and during school holidays will be a prerequisite. Are you OK with this?
Experience:

Childcare: 1 year (preferred) kitchen / catering: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/08/2025
Reference ID: Wild Things Plymouth Assistant Manager