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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Stew Leonard's

FT Kitchen Assistant Manager

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Kitchen Assistant Manager Full Time Hourly - $22.00 - $27.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: With limited supervision ...

stewleonards

FT Kitchen Assistant Manager

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Kitchen Assistant Manager Full Time Hourly - $22.00 - $27.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: With limited supervision ...

Cedar grill and pizza

Be Seen First

Kitchen Team Member

Caldwell, NJ · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Duties * Assist in food preparation by chopping, assembling ingredients, and following recipes to ensure quality and consistency * Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area, including ...

Dave & Buster's

Assistant

New York, NY · On-site

WHAT IS AN ASSISTANT KITCHEN MANAGER? As the leaders of the Kitchen, AKMs are the culinary experts who keep our Kitchens in pristine operating conditions. You get to select and motivate an elite ...

New

USHG

Kitchen Extern

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Externs are expected to have a strong passion for food, an eagerness to develop and build ... Work with the prep and receiving team to receive, label, and store market deliveries * Assist line ...

Union Square Cafe

Kitchen Extern

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Externs are expected to have a strong passion for food, an eagerness to develop and build ... Work with the prep and receiving team to receive, label, and store market deliveries * Assist line ...

Athenian Fresh Grill

Assistant Manager

North Arlington, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Follow health and safety regulations in the kitchen * Assist with inventory and kitchen cleanliness ... Skills & Qualifications * Passion for cooking and working with fresh ingredients * Ability to work ...

Compass Group

PACK OUT - CENTRAL KITCHEN

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$18/hr

  • PTO

Requirement : Previous kitchen experience is preferred. * Fixed Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour ... The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Edison, NJ

Kitchen Assistant information

See Edison, NJ salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Edison, NJ is $15.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant is often a suitable first job because it provides basic skills such as food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It typically requires minimal prior experience and can help develop work ethic and time management in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Kitchen Assistants often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, maintaining cleanliness under time pressure, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and team members, and following food safety protocols can help manage these demands effectively. Building strong teamwork skills and being proactive about restocking supplies are also key to thriving in this role.

What is a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants are support staff who help chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning work areas and utensils, unloading deliveries, and ensuring that the kitchen operates efficiently. They play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring that meals are prepared in a timely manner. Kitchen assistants typically work under the supervision of more experienced kitchen staff and may have opportunities to learn basic cooking skills. The role can be fast-paced and requires good teamwork and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Kitchen Assistant vs Kitchen Porter?

AspectKitchen AssistantKitchen Porter
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, and basic kitchen tasksCleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen areas; basic support tasks
Required SkillsBasic cooking knowledge, teamwork, organizationCleaning skills, physical stamina, attention to hygiene
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringSame as Kitchen Assistant, often in similar settings
CertificationsFood hygiene certificates often preferredFood hygiene certificates often required

Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in responsibilities. Kitchen Assistants typically handle food prep and basic tasks, while Kitchen Porters focus on cleaning and maintaining hygiene. Both roles are essential in commercial kitchens and often require similar certifications.

What does a kitchen assistant do?

Kitchen assistants perform a number of cooking-related duties, including preparing food, retrieving ingredients from the freezer or other storage locations, and restocking food items. As a kitchen assistant, you may also perform hygiene-related tasks to keep the kitchen clean, such as wiping down equipment or cleaning counters after food preparation. There are usually no educational requirements for the career, but employers prefer that you have relevant work experience in a restaurant setting. Additional qualifications include the ability to follow oral instructions and health and safety procedures, as well as hand dexterity and cooking skills to peel and cut ingredients.

What qualifications are needed to be a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants typically do not require formal qualifications but should have basic cooking skills, good hygiene, and the ability to follow safety procedures. Some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant experience or certifications in food safety can be advantageous.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dishwashing machines, and sometimes food hygiene certifications are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills. These competencies ensure a safe, organized, and productive kitchen environment, supporting overall food quality and service.

What do you do as a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen assistant helps with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, organize supplies, and assist chefs or cooks as needed, often working in a fast-paced setting. Basic food safety and hygiene knowledge are important for this role.

How to work as a kitchen assistant?

To work as a kitchen assistant, you should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, assist with food preparation and cleaning, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Basic skills such as organization, teamwork, and knowledge of kitchen tools are important, and some positions may require food safety certifications. Flexibility with shifts and physical stamina are also beneficial for this role.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Edison, NJ? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Edison, NJ are:
What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Edison, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,177 per year, or $16 per hour.

FT Kitchen Assistant Manager

Stew Leonard's

Clifton, NJ • On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Stew Leonard's rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 122 rated grocery stores

Job description

Stew Leonard's, a family-owned and operated fresh food store founded in 1969, has locations in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Stew's earned its nickname, the "Disneyland of Dairy Stores" because of its country-fair atmosphere, with costumed characters and animated entertainment throughout the store that keep children entertained while parents shop.
Kitchen Assistant Manager
Full Time Hourly - $22.00 - $27.00 per hour
depending on qualifications and experience
Must be at least 18 years and older
Position Description:
With limited supervision, the assistant manager is responsible for assisting with the overall operations, sales goals and profitability of the Kitchen Department.
Your day-to-day:
  • Ensure the salad bar and displays are merchandised and appropriate signage is visible
  • Ensure displays are full and product is rotated appropriately
  • Ensure daily production plan is met
  • Show and sell and cross merchandise whenever possible
  • Review One Idea Report to identify opportunities to achieve goals
  • Place orders with vendors and transfers, when needed
  • Participate in monthly, quarterly and yearly department inventories
  • Attend department BASH and Strategy meetings
  • Assist in hiring, promoting, and training team members
  • Provide timely feedback by completing and delivering comprehensive 90 day and mid-year Performance Chats
  • Provide feedback to department manager for Annual Performance Appraisals
  • Create schedules and enter them into HRIS system for team members to access at least 3 weeks in advance
  • Ensure team member time cards are accurate for weekly payroll processing
  • Following and enforcing SOP's
  • Conduct and/or actively participate in monthly department communication meetings
  • Address disciplinary issues in a timely fashion
  • Ensure compliance with all employment laws
  • Ensure the department is in compliance with all health codes, sanitation and safety regulations
  • Ensure representation is present at all monthly Safety Committee Meetings
  • Conduct/oversee daily/periodic department cleaning
  • Any other projects, as needed
  • Oversee daily production to sales within the department to control over/ under sales.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent with 1 to 3 years' culinary experience. Successful completion of an accredited culinary program preferred, but not a requirement
  • Safely operate a choppers, ovens, fryers and all other equipment used in the day to day operation of the kitchen department
  • Demonstrate safe knife handling skills
  • Demonstrate an understanding of product costing and how to minimize waste
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of simple math (measurements and conversions for recipes)
  • Great customer service skills
  • Good computer skills and a basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Outlook and the HRIS, purchase order/transfer, and item maintenance systems
  • Good communications skills, both written and oral
  • Good organizational skills
  • The ability to delegate tasks and give clear directions
  • The ability to multi-task

What you bring to the team:
  • Lead by example
  • Excellent work ethic
  • Excellent interpersonal skill
  • Honest
  • Confidential
  • Quick thinker
  • The ability to problem solver
  • Firm, but fair
  • Flexible

Working Conditions:
  • The temperature in the department can be warmer than room temperature due to the ovens, fryers and other equipment used in department production
  • Exposure to different weather conditions may be possible when the seasonal grill is in operation (April to October)
  • Exposure to smoke produced by grills and grease and oil from fryers may be possible
  • The position requires frequent walking, standing, lifting, pushing, pulling, squatting, and reach is required with a maximum of 50lbs.

Why you'll love working here!
Family Oriented: We respect the personal balance between work and family with career opportunity and growth- over 80% of our managers have been promoted from within.
Benefits: High value, high quality Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, 401 K plan for FT & PT team members, family & personal time, life insurance, short term disability insurance, legal insurance, sick time off, profit sharing, commuter assistance, Annual performance reviews.
Environment: Have you seen the Avocado Girls? Chiquita Banana? Or the singing Parrot?
Pay Day: We're thrilled to offer our Team Members Sunday premium pay, Holiday pay, Dayforce Wallet - a new way to get paid. Say bye-bye to pay day and hello to pay your way. Get your pay as soon as you earn it, at no cost to you - It's your money, why should you have to wait? Request your pay as you earn it.
We take pride in the power of diversity, inclusion, and being socially responsible to the communities which we live and do business
Apply today and start as soon as 1 week!
For more information on working at Stew Leonard's click on the link below!
http://www.stewleonards.com/work-at-stews/
Stew Leonard's is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.

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