Cafe Assistant

Instagram; Sedgefield; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

27 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid/hybrid working where applicable

Job summary

Hardwick Park café is seeking a proactive Café Assistant to support the day-to-day operation, ensuring food is prepared, presented and served to a high standard while maintaining excellent levels of cleanliness and food hygiene. You will work as part of a friendly team, handling tills and assisting with stock and events.

The role requires GCSE English, food preparation experience and strong customer care skills; flexibility in hours is essential due to café shifts.

Qualifications

• GCSE level education (or equivalent), including English.
• Experience in preparing and serving fresh food.
• Experience in catering or hospitality environment.
• Strong communication and customer care skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and use initiative.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond positively to customer needs.
• Knowledge of health and safety and food hygiene procedures.
• Flexible approach to duties and working hours.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and serving food and drinks.
• Delivering excellent customer service.
• Operating tills and handling cash and card payments.
• Maintaining food hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Cleaning food preparation, kitchen and customer areas.
• Assisting with stock checks and replenishment.
• Supporting catering services for special events and functions.
• Contributing to menu and product development where appropriate.
• Supporting volunteers and work placements.
• Promoting sustainability and recycling initiatives.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Food safety

Cash handling

Education

GCSE level (or equivalent) including English

Tools

Till systems

Job description

Are you passionate about customer service and enjoy working in a busy café environment? Do you take pride in delivering high-quality food and creating a welcoming experience for visitors? We are looking for a Café Assistant to join our team at the award-winning Hardwick Park. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a friendly and dedicated team, helping to provide excellent food, beverages and customer service to the half a million visitors who enjoy the park each year.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

As a Café Assistant, you will support the day-to-day operation of the café, ensuring food is prepared, presented and served to a high standard while maintaining excellent levels of cleanliness, food hygiene and customer care. You will assist with food preparation, serving customers, operating the till, replenishing stock and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for customers and colleagues. As a key front-line representative of the Council, you will play an important role in ensuring visitors receive an outstanding experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and serving food and drinks.
• Delivering excellent customer service.
• Operating tills and handling cash and card payments.
• Maintaining food hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Cleaning food preparation, kitchen and customer areas.
• Assisting with stock checks and replenishment.
• Supporting catering services for special events and functions.
• Contributing to menu and product development where appropriate.
• Supporting volunteers and work placements.
• Promoting sustainability and recycling initiatives.

Requirements

• A good basic education to GCSE level (or equivalent), including English.
• Experience of preparing and serving fresh food.
• Experience of working within a catering and/or hospitality environment.
• Understanding of customer care and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and use initiative.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond positively to customer needs.
• Knowledge of health and safety and food hygiene procedures.
• A flexible approach to duties and working hours.

Desirable

• Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent).
• Experience of operating till systems and handling cash/card payments.
• Awareness of current food hygiene standards.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries
• A generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service)
• Membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme
• A range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable

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