Food and Beverage Assistant - Campus Services - 48437 - Grade 2

University of Birmingham; Park Central; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a customer service professional to deliver high-quality food and beverage services. Responsibilities include greeting customers, food preparation, cash handling, and maintaining hygiene standards. Ideal candidates will have experience in a customer-facing role, strong communication skills, and a commitment to service quality. A Level 2 Food Safety Certificate is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy, customer-facing role is essential.
• Knowledge of food and beverage environments preferred.
• Commitment to quality service and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service in various areas.
• Perform food and beverage preparation.
• Ensure adherence to hygiene and safety regulations.
• Handle cash and maintain accurate stock levels.

Skills

Customer service

Food preparation

Cash handling

Teamwork

Positive communication

Education

A Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Overview

You will be responsible for providing excellent customer service in any one of those areas/outlets. This post will involve basic food preparation, the provision of a high quality food and beverage service, cash handling, cleaning and stock control, together with any other duties required to ensure the smooth running of the business and operations service we offer to our diverse range of customers. In order to flexibly use resource you may be required to work elsewhere in the department or wider University.

Responsibilities

• Greet and serve customers in a professional, responsive, courteous and friendly manner, including answering queries and dealing with situations that arise, to deliver the highest level of customer service.
• Build rapport with customers wherever possible and encourage customer feedback.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with all colleagues.
• Undertake basic food and beverage preparation to deliver quality products to the customer.
• Ensure a correct standard of stock rotation is followed while maintaining adequate stock levels, adjusting orders as required and ensuring food products are used prior to the best before date.
• Report any equipment failures and hazards to the Supervisor/Manager/Supplier in a timely manner.
• Ensure all portion controls are adhered to as directed by the Supervisor/Manager and in line with Operations Manuals.
• Maintain control of all food and drink wastage and record as required.
• Ensure that all Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) hygiene and allergen recording systems and food and drink receipt procedures are carried out and correctly recorded.
• Conform and adhere to all Health/Food Safety Codes of Practice and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations at all times.
• Assist with the transportation of commodities and equipment from one location to another as required, following hygiene and health and safety protocols.
• Operate electronic point of sale (EPOS) terminals and handle cash effectively, including opening and end of day procedures, cashing up and ensuring the security of all monies (where required in secure areas).
• Perform cleaning tasks to a high standard at all times, following standard operating procedures, ensuring regular removal of rubbish as necessary and a clean environment.
• Ensure thorough cleaning of all equipment, utensils, crockery, glassware, walls, fridges, tables and work areas, and sanitise surfaces before the end of each shift.
• On occasion, place orders for food and commodities and/or undertake stock takes as directed by your manager.
• If serving alcohol, ensure compliance with the relevant licensing laws.

Team Work

• Actively seek opportunities to increase sales by upselling products and make recommendations as directed by your manager.
• Participate in training and development activities as required.
• Be supportive to colleagues.
• Attend all team briefs/training and departmental meetings as required.
• Be actively involved in an annual personal development review with your line manager/supervisor.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties or requests (other than those stated in the job description) as requested by a senior member of staff, including driving University vehicles if required (subject to holding a clean driving license).
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect, supporting equality and valuing diversity.

Operational requirements

• Contracts are annualised and based on 35 hours per week (or pro rata) inclusive of weekdays, weekends, bank holidays and rota-based closed days. Operational hours will vary by business unit/activity; hours will be defined in your contract of employment.
• The post holder will primarily focus on one area (front of house, back of house or logistics) but may be required to work in other areas occasionally as needed.
• To undertake works activities across all campuses as requested, in line with grade and role activities, supporting the Division and wider activities; follow supervisor day-to-day instructions and coordinate with others to complete activities within a shift.

Experience and qualifications

• Experience and knowledge of working in a busy, customer facing role, with previous experience in a food and beverage environment being an advantage.
• A Level 2 Food Safety Certificate is desirable – although full training will be provided.
• A commitment to providing a quality service.
• Positive communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a high standard of personal appearance; some parts of a uniform are provided for this purpose.
• Flexible work patterns and hours are essential.
• Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect own area (e.g. dietary requirements/dress code).
• Full clean driving license desirable.