Catering Assistant – Sir William Harpur House

bpha; Bedford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading housing association in Bedford is seeking a Catering Assistant to assist chefs and ensure a high-quality dining experience for residents. This role offers structured hours on weekends, perfect for students or those seeking a flexible schedule. Responsibilities include food prep, maintaining cleanliness, and contributing to menu ideas. The ideal candidate is a team player with attention to detail and some knowledge of food safety. Apply now to join a supportive team.

Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

Private Health Care

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous Pension Scheme

Discounted gym membership

Free annual flu jabs

Qualifications

• Must be a team player with a can-do attitude.
• Experience in catering or hospitality is desirable.
• Knowledge of food safety and kitchen equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist chefs with food preparation and kitchen duties.
• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean and stocked.
• Contribute to menu ideas based on resident feedback.
• Ensure food safety and health regulations are met.

Skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Knowledge of food safety

Job description

Hours: 12:00 - 14:00 Saturday & Sunday (4 hrs per week). Location: Sir William Harpur House Bedford.

Reports to: Catering Services Manager

Looking for a hospitality role that offers structure, purpose, and flexibility to work around studies or other employment. We’ve got just the thing.

At Sir William Harpur House we’re looking for a Catering Assistant to join our friendly team and support our chefs in delivering a high‑quality dining experience for our residents. This role offers a consistent pattern over weekends only – a schedule that allows you to continue with your studies or other employment while still being part of a rewarding and fast‑paced environment. There will be occasional overtime available to boost your income although this is not mandatory nor guaranteed.

Please note: Unfortunately, due to service needs the days and times for this role are fixed and not flexible.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assisting chefs with food prep and kitchen duties
• Keeping the kitchen and dining areas clean, safe and well‑stocked
• Helping reduce food waste and maintain hygiene standards
• Contributing to menu ideas based on resident feedback
• Ensuring food safety and health regulations are always met

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work‑life balance: Enjoy your afternoons and evenings – no late‑night shifts!
• Stable hours: 12:00 - 14:00 Saturday and Sunday (4 hrs per week)
• Supportive team: Be part of a kitchen that values collaboration and care
• Meaningful impact: Help deliver meals that brighten our residents’ days

What We’re Looking For

• Team player with a can‑do attitude and attention to detail
• Someone who takes pride in their work and communicates well
• Knowledge of food safety and kitchen equipment (Level 2 Food Hygiene is a plus)
• Experience in catering or hospitality is desirable but not essential

Our Values

We’re proud of what we do and how we do it – putting customers first, working with integrity and always striving to get things right the first time.

Employee Benefits

• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Retail Discounts
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Private Health Care
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous Pension Scheme

Additional Benefits

• Holiday entitlement of 28‑33 days a year plus public holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Competitive pay
• Life assurance cover
• Private healthcare
• Mental Health First Aid
• Counselling service
• Eye tests
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free annual flu jabs
• Wellbeing activities and events
• Free fruit and refreshments
• Long service award
• Annual staff recognition awards
• Discretionary reward scheme
• Annual volunteering day
• Social events, clubs and activities
• Breakout areas
• Onsite cafe / restaurant at headquarters
• Opportunities for professional training and qualifications
• Workshops and training sessions for new skills
• A fresh and modern eLearning platform

Ready to cook up a career with us? Apply now and bring your enthusiasm, reliability and love for food to Sir William Harpur House!

Please note that applications will be reviewed as received and the organisation reserves the right to close applications early upon identifying a suitable candidate. Apply early to avoid disappointment!

All offers will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment screening including DBS check and references.

About Us

bpha is a Housing Association located in the Oxford‑to‑Cambridge arc which is committed to providing its customers with high‑quality, value‑for‑money services whilst continuing to develop energy‑efficient, sustainable and affordable housing. We are a leading provider and developer of affordable homes for rent, sheltered residential care and shared ownership. We work together with communities to improve opportunities, independence and quality of life for our residents and to benefit the wider community. We bring people together and run and support a wide range of community activities.

All the money we make is used to invest in existing homes to enable us to build new homes and to deliver new and improved services. We own or manage over 19 500 homes and over 500 staff.

Our Vision and Values

To build communities where people can live happily in a home they can afford. Our values underpin the work that we do and are ingrained in our culture at bpha. We are looking for people who can share these values and translate them into day‑to‑day practices for the benefit of our communities, customers and fellow colleagues. So that we can realise our vision together.

• We are ambitious
• We are better together
• We show empathy
• We take responsibility

Employment type: Unclear

Experience: Years

Vacancy: 1