Canteen Assistant

Minerva Recruitment; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a part-time Canteen Assistant in Colchester to deliver high-quality customer service within a community-focused catering environment. Responsibilities include serving refreshments, handling cash, and maintaining cleanliness. Ideal candidates should possess a Food Handling qualification, have experience in catering, and demonstrate good communication skills. The role provides consistent hours during term time only and offers competitive pay.

Benefits

Consistent part-time hours

Term-time working pattern

Community-focused environment

Competitive hourly pay

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 1 (or above) Food Handling/Food Hygiene qualification.
• Experience working in a customer-focused catering environment.
• Confident handling cash and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Serve drinks, confectionery, and light snacks to staff and visitors.
• Handle and accurately record cash in line with procedures.
• Ensure all equipment and work surfaces are clean and compliant.

Skills

Customer service skills

Cash handling

Food hygiene knowledge

Teamwork

Education

Level 1 (or above) Food Handling/Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

Canteen Assistant (Part-Time, Temporary)

Location: Colchester | Pay Rate: £13.03 PAYE | Hours: 5 hours per week – Fridays only (10:00am‑3:00pm) | Working Pattern: Term-time only | Working Style: Community-based | Closing Date: Monday 5 January 2026

Minerva Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our client for a Canteen Assistant to support Adult Community Learning (ACL) services in Colchester. This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking a part‑time role within a friendly, community‑focused catering environment.

About the Organisation

Adult Community Learning (ACL) is the Essex County Council provider of lifelong learning for Essex residents. ACL delivers a wide range of accredited and non‑accredited courses designed to improve skills, enhance life chances, and support employment opportunities, with a strong focus on engaging harder‑to‑reach communities across Essex.

The Role

As a Canteen Assistant, you will play a key role in delivering a high standard of customer service within ACL refreshment areas. You will be responsible for serving drinks, confectionery, and light snacks to learners, staff, and visitors, while maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serving drinks, confectionery, and light snacks to staff and visitors
• Handling and accurately recording cash in line with Essex County Council procedures
• Ensuring all equipment and work surfaces are kept clean and compliant with Health & Safety standards
• Promoting high standards of customer care in line with quality assurance and local procedures
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to meet service objectives and performance targets

About You

• Hold a Level 1 (or above) Food Handling/Food Hygiene qualification
• Have experience working in a customer‑focused catering environment
• Be confident handling cash and maintaining accurate records
• Possess good verbal communication skills and a strong customer service ethos
• Be a reliable team player with a flexible and positive approach
• Show a willingness to develop skills within the role

Why Apply?

• Consistent, part‑time hours ideal for work‑life balance
• Term‑time only working pattern
• Opportunity to work within a community‑focused public service environment
• Competitive hourly pay

To apply or for more information, please contact Minerva Recruitment today. We look forward to hearing from you.