Catering Assistant (Preston Park)

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual leave

LGPS

Training & development

Employee discounts

Online GP

Employee Assistance Programme

Physiotherapy

Job summary

The Park Café at Preston Park Museum in Stockton-on-Tees is seeking a Catering Assistant to join a busy, welcoming team. This 20 hours/week role offers the chance to deliver a high-quality café experience while developing customer service and food hygiene skills in a popular visitor destination.

No prior catering experience is essential as full training is provided; the team focuses on great service, teamwork and a positive attitude. Right to work in the UK is required.

Qualifications

• Previous catering or hospitality experience is welcome but not essential.
• Full training will be provided to start or develop a career in catering and hospitality.
• Reliability, willingness to learn and a proactive approach are valued.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a range of food, drinks and snacks to customers.
• Support with food preparation, cooking and presentation.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness.
• Clean kitchen equipment, dining areas and customer spaces.
• Assist with stock control and replenishment.
• Work as part of a friendly team to deliver an outstanding customer experience.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Team player

Organised

Positive attitude

Job description

The Park Café, Preston Park Museum
20 hours per week | Actual salary £13,845 per annum

Are you looking for a role where no two days are the same? Do you enjoy working with people and being part of a busy team that helps create a great visitor experience? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking for a Catering Assistant to join our welcoming team at The Park Café, located within the beautiful surroundings of Preston Park Museum. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in one of the borough's most popular visitor destinations, serving customers and helping deliver a high-quality café experience in a vibrant and rewarding environment.

About the team

Our Catering Service provides high-quality food and refreshments across a range of locations throughout the borough. You'll join a supportive team that is passionate about customer service, food quality and creating a positive experience for everyone who visits.

About the role

As a Catering Assistant, you'll be at the heart of a busy and customer-focused café environment, helping to ensure visitors receive excellent service every day.

You will:

• Prepare and serve a range of food, drinks and snacks to customers.
• Support with food preparation, cooking and presentation.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness.
• Clean kitchen equipment, dining areas and customer spaces.
• Assist with stock control and replenishment.
• Work as part of a friendly team to deliver an outstanding customer experience.

About you

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable and enjoys working with people.

You will:

• Have excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Take pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Be organised, dependable and willing to learn new skills.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude and a strong work ethic.
• Be committed to delivering a great experience for visitors and customers.

Previous catering or hospitality experience would be welcome, but it isn't essential. Full training will be provided, making this a great opportunity for someone looking to start or develop a career in catering and hospitality.

To learn more about the role and what we're looking for, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification in the Supporting Documents section.

Why join us?

At Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, we're proud to be a great place to work where employees are trusted, valued and supported to make a positive difference.

We offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Employee discounts at a range of retailers.
• Access to online GP appointments.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Physiotherapy services and wellbeing support.

We expect to hold interviews the week commencing 26 October 2026. If you are shortlisted, you will be notified via North East Jobs.

Please note that we’re unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK.

Accuracy and Use of AI Tools:

You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Application Updates and Communication:

All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from ‘[e-mail]’ to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your account.

Right to Work:

All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.

Council Principles:

The Council’s recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent.

Limitations:

Where an individual cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee’s visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.