Catering Assistant

John Lewis & Partners; Cheadle; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retailer seeks a Catering Assistant to provide exceptional service in their restaurants. Responsibilities include teamwork, food preparation, and customer interaction. Ideal candidates will have a passion for food and high standards in hygiene. The role offers flexible working hours and no late shifts.

Benefits

Free food during working days

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Ability to be flexible across the Catering team and use initiative.
• Keen eye for detail and high standards in food preparation, hygiene, and cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service.
• Provide positive customer interactions with a friendly attitude.
• Follow procedures in line with health and safety regulations.
• Ensure stock is replenished and available for customers.
• Reduce food wastage by managing stock effectively.

Skills

Flexibility

Passion for food

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Customer service skills

Job description

About the role

Our Catering Assistants in our John Lewis shops work either in our customer restaurants or behind-the-scenes in our Partner (employee) dining rooms. You will offer the great customer service we're known for. The role can be fast-paced, but by taking pride in your food preparation and presentation standards, you'll ensure the best catering experience. You will also support with other catering tasks, including stock replenishment and storage of deliveries. Our Catering Partners enjoy free food in our dining rooms on their working days, and as the role is based in our shops, there are no split shifts or late evening work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service.
2. Provide positive customer and Partner interactions with a friendly and welcoming attitude, acting as an ambassador for the John Lewis brand at all times.
3. Follow procedures and instructions in line with the 'Health and Safety at Work Act' and 'Food Safety Act'.
4. Ensure stock is replenished and available for customers.
5. Reduce food wastage by ensuring care and due diligence when rotating food stock.
6. Act promptly and use your initiative to resolve issues that arise.
7. Maintain personal hygiene standards.

Essential skills/experience

• Ability to be flexible across the Catering team and use initiative to ensure smooth operations.
• Passion for food.
• Keen eye for detail and high standards in food preparation, hygiene, and cleanliness.

Desirable skills/experience

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Teamwork.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Experience working in a kitchen or catering environment.

About The Partnership

We're the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to our cherished brands John Lewis and Waitrose. We are not just employees; we are Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to the future, there's never been a more exciting time to join us.

We focus on being brilliant at retail, continuously innovating, adapting, and diversifying. We are committed to price, quality, and service excellence in John Lewis and passionate about serving food-lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners, we share ownership and the rewards. We contribute to our success, working together through good and challenging times, and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

We own making the Partnership a place where everyone belongs, embracing differences, and creating an environment to thrive. We grow individually and collectively.

As Partners, we make a difference, and we all own it.

Important points to note:

Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks for successful candidates. You will be informed and provided with details during the recruitment process. We encourage quick completion of any vetting documents to avoid delays. DBS checks will be carried out by a registered body, and some roles may require financial probity checks.

We recommend applying promptly, as vacancies may close early if there are many applicants.

We support flexible working to promote a good work-life balance, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Please discuss this further during your interview.