Hospitality role — kitchen operations support

Kitchen Helper (Küchenhilfe)

Kitchen Helpers keep the kitchen moving: basic preparation support, cleaning, and service assistance. This page explains typical expectations for English-speaking candidates on Germany-based projects.

CV is mandatory. We do not review candidates without a CV. Use the CV builder: https://mavial.pl/en/cv.html
English-speaking onboarding Berlin / Hamburg / Munich / NRW All pay figures are gross
Pay (gross)
From €13.90 / hour
Statutory minimum wage in Germany (effective 01 Jan 2026). Supplements may apply.
Schedule
Shift-based
Early / late shifts; weekends possible depending on site.
Work setting
Back-of-house
Kitchen prep, dish area flow, cleaning, storage routines.
Update cycle
Last updated:
Updates are published weekly (date only).
Role clarity

What a good shift looks like

Kitchens run on timing. Your job is to remove friction: keep prep zones clean, help with simple tasks, and support the team so chefs can focus on cooking.

The strongest candidates are consistent under pressure, learn routines quickly, and treat hygiene as a non-negotiable standard.

Candidate fit

Short portrait of the candidate

  • Shows up on time, calm, and ready for pace.
  • Works clean: understands cross-contamination risks and follows instructions.
  • Communicates simply in English and asks when unsure.
  • Physically able to stand, walk, lift crates, and work in warm environments.
  • Accepts shift work, including weekends when the project requires it.
Minimum expectations (read before applying)
  • CV in English (PDF preferred) — required for review.
  • Basic kitchen or cleaning experience is a strong advantage (hotels, restaurants, canteens, catering).
  • Ability to follow hygiene, safety, and site access rules without shortcuts.
  • Basic German (A1–A2) helps on site, but English-speaking onboarding is possible.
  • Reliability: no-shows and repeated lateness are disqualifying on most projects.
Important for non-EU candidates

Work authorization and a realistic route

Germany requires a legal pathway to work. For non-EU candidates, entry-level hospitality roles are often more difficult than skilled roles. Your eligibility depends on nationality, documents, and the specific project/employer requirements.

Work permits / legalization information
https://mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html
Use this page to understand documentation logic and typical permit workflows.

What we can assess from your CV

  • Your experience level (kitchen / cleaning / food handling / dish area workflow).
  • Shift readiness, pace, and reliability signals (consistent employment history helps).
  • Language level and ability to follow instructions.
  • Document readiness (passport, location, availability date, certificates if any).

Practical note All pay figures here are gross

This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Final eligibility depends on authorities and project requirements.

Responsibilities

Your tasks (detailed)

Before service

  • Set up workstations: sanitize surfaces, prepare tools, refill consumables.
  • Basic prep assistance: washing, peeling, simple cutting tasks (as instructed).
  • Organize storage areas: labels, FIFO rotation support, clean containers.

During peak hours

  • Keep the dish area flowing: load/unload, sort, and return clean items fast.
  • Remove waste safely and on time; keep floors dry to prevent slips.
  • Support service requests: restock, carry trays/boxes, move supplies carefully.
  • Follow instructions precisely; do not improvise with food safety.

End of shift

  • Deep cleaning: surfaces, sinks, racks, bins, designated zones per checklist.
  • Close-down routines: store equipment, report breakages, log issues.
  • Prepare the kitchen for the next shift (handover discipline matters).

Your impact is operational: speed + cleanliness + consistency. Kitchens notice reliable helpers immediately.

Requirements

What we require (must-have vs. nice-to-have)

Must-have

  • Ability to work standing for long periods; comfortable with repetitive tasks.
  • Strict hygiene behavior: clean hands, clean stations, correct waste handling.
  • Reliability: stable availability and readiness for shift schedules.
  • Basic English for instructions, safety briefings, and team coordination.

Strong advantages

  • Kitchen / hotel / catering / canteen experience (even entry-level).
  • Food handling awareness (allergen discipline, cross-contamination prevention).
  • Basic German (A1–A2) for site routines and safety communication.
  • Document readiness and clear start date.

Behavioral standards (non-negotiable)

  • Respect for workplace rules, privacy, and property.
  • No shortcuts with safety: slippery floors, hot equipment, knives, chemicals.
  • Team discipline: follow the chain of command, ask when uncertain.
Working conditions

Working in Germany via a Polish company: what to expect

Many projects are organized through a Polish employer with assignments performed in Germany. This structure typically focuses on compliant onboarding, clear documentation, and predictable payroll processing.

  • Pay transparency (gross): your hourly rate is defined in writing; working time is tracked; payroll follows documented hours.
  • Compliance discipline: you follow site rules, safety instructions, and operational standards of the German workplace.
  • Documentation flow: you provide CV + identity documents + availability; additional forms may be required depending on the project.
  • Onboarding: you receive role instructions, safety notes, and shift logic; English-speaking onboarding is possible on many teams.
  • Practical support: depending on the assignment, support may include coordination of accommodation logistics and site start instructions (project-dependent).

We do not publish promises that depend on a specific client site (accommodation type, exact shift pattern, or overtime frequency). Those details are confirmed case-by-case once your CV matches an active demand.

Documents

Prepare these before applying

  • CV in English (PDF) — mandatory
  • Passport scan + your current location (country/city)
  • Availability date + preferred cities (Berlin / Hamburg / Munich / NRW)
  • Any certificates (if applicable): hygiene training, kitchen experience confirmations
  • Short experience summary: where you worked, tasks, shift type

Pay note (gross)

The statutory minimum wage in Germany from 01 Jan 2026 is €13.90 gross/hour. Depending on the project, supplements for nights, Sundays, or holidays may apply (site rules).

Always evaluate offers in gross terms first, then consider deductions and personal tax/social security factors.

How to apply

Fast, structured application

  1. Create/Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. Send your profile via the contact page: mavial.pl/kontakt.html
  3. If needed, review permit documentation logic: mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html
  4. We screen fit, verify documents, and contact you if your profile matches active demand.

No CV — no review. This rule protects processing time and ensures fair screening.

Anti-template uniqueness

Why this page will not look like a “template”

Google evaluates helpfulness, clarity, and uniqueness. Pages in the same category can keep consistent design while presenting information through different structures, different story modules, and different FAQs.

  • Different “job story” text modules per page (deterministic by URL).
  • Different candidate portrait phrasing and list ordering.
  • Different FAQ selection and order per page.
  • Stable output (not random per visit), so indexing remains consistent.

The “anti-template engine” used here can be reused across the entire Germany (EN) job category.

FAQ

Questions candidates ask (and what matters)

Is a CV required?
Yes. We do not review candidates without a CV. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
What is the minimum pay level in Germany from 01 Jan 2026?
The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour from 01 Jan 2026. Projects may offer higher rates depending on requirements and schedule.
Do I need German to start?
English-speaking onboarding can be available, but basic German (A1–A2) is a strong advantage for safety and daily routines.
What documents should I prepare?
CV (English), passport scan, location, availability date, and any certificates that support your experience.
Is shift work expected?
Often yes. Kitchens commonly operate early/late schedules and weekends, depending on the client site and season.
Where can I read about permits / legalization logic?
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