Catering Assistant

John Lewis & Partners; Packmoor; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free food in dining rooms

Flexible working options

No late-evening work

Job summary

A leading UK retail company seeks a Catering Assistant to deliver exceptional customer service in their restaurants. In this full-time entry-level position, you will be responsible for ensuring a smooth catering operation, maintaining hygiene standards, and assisting with stock replenishment. Ideal candidates will possess flexibility and a passion for food, with a keen eye for detail. Opportunities for flexible working hours may be available. Join a team committed to maintaining high standards in food preparation.

Qualifications

• Ability to be flexible and proactive in a catering environment.
• Passion for food and high standards in hygiene.
• Keen attention to detail in food preparation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver smooth catering service working as a team.
• Provide positive customer interactions as a brand ambassador.
• Follow health and safety procedures in all tasks.
• Ensure stock is replenished and available.
• Rotate stock to minimise waste.
• Resolve issues promptly and use initiative.
• Maintain personal hygiene standards.

Skills

Flexibility

Passion for food

Attention to detail

Job description

About The Role

Our Catering Assistants in John Lewis shops will work in either customer restaurants or behind the scenes in our partner dining rooms. Wherever you work, you’ll deliver the great customer service we’re known for. The work can be fast‑paced, but by taking pride in food preparation and presentation you’ll ensure the best possible catering experience. You’ll also support other catering tasks, including stock replenishment and delivery storage. Our catering partners enjoy free food in our dining rooms on their working days, and you will not have split shifts or late‑evening work.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service
• Provide positive customer and partner interactions with a friendly and welcoming attitude, acting as an ambassador for the John Lewis brand at all times
• Follow procedures and instructions using the ‘Health and Safety at Work Act’ and ‘Food Safety Act’ when completing all relevant tasks
• Ensure stock is replenished and available for customers
• Reduce food wastage by rotating stock carefully
• Act promptly and use initiative to resolve any issues that arise in the operation
• Maintain personal hygiene standards

Essential Skills / Experience

• Ability to be flexible to work across the whole catering team and use initiative to ensure smooth operation
• 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
• Great customer service
• Experience in a kitchen or catering environment

John Lewis & Partners provided pay range

This range is provided by John Lewis & Partners. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing – Retail

Additional information

Some roles may require pre‑employment vetting, including DBS checks. Flexible working options are available and can be discussed with the hiring manager.