Catering Assistant - Christmas

John Lewis Partnership; Leicester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading employee-owned business in the UK is seeking Catering Assistants in Leicester to provide excellent customer service and ensure food preparation standards. Responsibilities include team collaboration, stock management, and adherence to safety guidelines. The role offers varied hours and a competitive hourly rate of £12.40. Join a supportive environment that values partnership and community.

Benefits

Free food during working days

No split shifts

Night Premium for late hours

Qualifications

• Ability to work across the whole Catering team and use initiative for smooth operation.
• High standards in food preparation, hygiene, and cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a smooth catering service in the team.
• Provide positive customer interactions as a brand ambassador.
• Follow health and safety procedures during tasks.
• Maintain stock availability and reduce food wastage.
• Promptly resolve any operational issues.

Skills

Flexibility

Passion for food

Attention to detail

Job description

Overview

Our Catering Assistants in John Lewis shops work in either our customer restaurants or behind-the-scenes in our Partner dining rooms. You will provide the great customer service we are known for, take pride in food preparation and presentation, and ensure the best possible catering experience. You’ll also support with other catering tasks, including stock replenishment and storage of deliveries. Partners enjoy free food in our dining rooms on working days, and there are no split shifts or late evening work when based in our shops. If you join from 5 October, any time worked between 22:00–06:00 attracts Night Premium at £3.50 per hour. This also applies to existing Partners enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service.
• Provide positive customer and Partner interactions with a friendly and welcoming attitude; act as an ambassador for the John Lewis brand at all times.
• Follow procedures and instructions under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Food Safety Act when completing all relevant tasks.
• Ensure stock is replenished and available for customers.
• Reduce food wastage by rotating stock with care and due diligence.
• 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 your 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.
• Team work and great customer service.
• Experience of working in a kitchen or a catering environment.

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Closing Date

September 23, 2025

Pay

£12.40 Hourly

Contract Type

Temporary

Hours of Work

Varied hours of full and part time work across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends.

Job Level

Partnership Level 10

Where You'll Be Working

Leicester (John Lewis & Partners), 2 Bath House Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 4SA

About the Partnership

We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As Partners we share ownership and rewards, and work together through good and challenging times, treating everyone with kindness and respect. We strive to be brilliant at retail, innovating and adapting while delivering excellent service and great food.

Important points to note

Some roles may require pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks). If required, you’ll be informed and receive information during recruitment. DBS checks will be carried out by a third-party body and financial probity checks may be required for some roles. Vacancies can close early if there is high applicant demand. We support flexible working where possible, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter hour contracts; please discuss this with the hiring manager during your interview.