Cafe Assistant

Durham University; Ulpha, Waterside, North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK educational institution is looking for a Cafe Assistant to join their Operations Directorate. You'll provide excellent service in a customer-friendly environment, maintain clean and safe areas, and handle essential tasks such as washing dishes and moving catering equipment. This part-time role (6 hours per week) is perfect for those who thrive in a team and enjoy a dynamic work setting. Flexibility, punctuality and a customer-focused attitude are key to success in this position.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus public holidays

Discounts via benefits portal

On-site nursery

Access to sports facilities

Generous family friendly policies

Qualifications

• Good spoken and written communication skills.
• Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
• Experience of working in a team.
• Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide students and staff with courteous catering service.
• Ensure Retail Outlets are clean and safe.
• Handle physical manual tasks such as washing up and transporting food.

Skills

Good spoken and written communication skills

Basic digital skills

Basic numeracy and literacy skills

Experience of working in a team

Ability to manage time to meet deadlines

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on [e-mail].

Job Description - Cafe Assistant (25001804)

Operations Directorate

Open-Ended/Permanent - Part Time Term Time Only (12 Months)

Working Arrangements: Any 5 days from 7 includes weekend working

Closing Date

19-Jan-2026, 11:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here.

The Role and Department

The Operations Directorate: Elevating the Student and Staff Experience

The Operations Directorate is dedicated to providing a world‑class experience for our diverse student and staff community, which is essential to our students’ learning journey. Our passionate team delivers services and facilities across 15 colleges, including catering, housekeeping, reception, security, and maintenance.

All staff within the Operations Directorate share the responsibility for supporting environmental and social sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation and re‑use and recycling as outlined in operating procedures. These resources create a safe environment where our students can live, work, dine, socialise, and thrive together.

Within the Operations Directorate, we have three key areas:

• University Catering: Our robust catering team of 500 ensures fresh, exciting and diverse dining experiences throughout our colleges, catering to the unique needs of our University Community, which includes students, staff and visitors, and offer expert advice on bar management.
• College Operations: With over 200 dedicated professionals, we provide residential services within the colleges as well as supporting student and non‑student‑led events.
• Retail Services: Our branded retail catering and merchandise outlets offer an enticing array of menus and high‑quality products thoughtfully presented to enhance the shopping experience for our students and staff whilst building positive relationships via efficient service and attentive staff.

In addition to a highly competitive salary and rewards package, our strategic focus includes ongoing development opportunities for our people. Join us today and shape your career at Durham University!

The Role

Café assistants work in one of our 12 thriving cafés which are located across Durham University Campus.

As a Café Assistant, you will be working part of a team to provide students, colleagues, and guests with a courteous, professional, friendly and efficient catering service. Working as part of the catering team you will ensure that Retail Outlets are set up to an exceptional standard and remain clean, tidy and a safe working environment.

Washing up is completed as part of the role, this will include the use of an automatic dishwasher, and after service, all food areas are cleared and cleaned. Working in a catering environment requires an element of physical manual handling which can include lifting and transporting food and catering equipment, including heavy plates and cutlery.

Specific Role Information

There are four positions available, all 6 hours per week over 26 weeks, Term Time Only. Locations include Maiden Castle, Small Island Coffee located within the Bill Bryson Library, Zing Kitchen, and Waterside.

We will require you to be punctual, flexible and willing to work variable shift patterns, including evenings and weekends.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year (in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days including time off between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• Generous pension schemes.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
3. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
4. Experience of working in a team.
5. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, the systems and administration team would be happy to speak to you: [e-mail].

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery

• Provide an excellent service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).
• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided [e.g. safety shoes] and being aware of any hazards.
• Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools [e.g. electrical appliances] from more experienced colleagues.
• Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.
• Help check and monitor stock controls.

Teamwork

• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.
• Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked.
• Help colleagues maintain facilities and equipment safely and securely.
• Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.

Communication/Personal

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.

Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.