Catering Assistant - Christmas

John Lewis Plc; Reading; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in the UK is seeking Catering Assistants to work in customer restaurants and partner dining rooms. The role involves ensuring a smooth catering service, maintaining high standards of food presentation, and providing excellent customer service. Flexibility and a passion for food are key attributes for candidates. The company supports a good work-life balance with flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Flexibility to work across the catering team.
• Passion for food and keen eye for detail.
• Experience in a catering environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth catering service with the team.
• Provide friendly customer interactions.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety standards.

Skills

Flexibility

Passion for food

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Excellent customer service

Job description

Overview

Our Catering Assistants work in John Lewis shops, either in our customer restaurants or behind the scenes in partner dining rooms. You will provide the great customer service we are known for, maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation, support stock replenishment and ensure a smooth catering experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service.
• Provide positive customer and partner interactions with a friendly and welcoming attitude; be an ambassador for the John Lewis brand.
• 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 operational issues.
• Maintain personal hygiene standards.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Flexibility to work across the whole catering team and using initiative to run the operation smoothly.
• 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.
• Experience of working in a kitchen or a catering environment.

We support flexible working and aim to give all our Partners a good work‑life balance. Flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview.