Food & Beverage Assistant - Lakeside

IKEA; Essex; On-site; GBP 8,800 - 12,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

IKEA discount

Life Assurance

Pension contributions

Free parking

Cycle to work

Job summary

IKEA Lakeside is hiring Food and Beverage Assistants to support the IKEA Food team in serving customers, handling tills, and maintaining a welcoming dining area. You will join a fast-paced, friendly environment that values teamwork and high service standards.

Roles offer flexible, part-time contracts with weekend availability and evenings. Benefits include staff discounts and wellbeing resources, with opportunities to grow within a global home furnishings retailer.

Qualifications

• Ready to be actively involved in daily tasks.
• Able to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Self-reliant and motivated to work independently and with others.
• Stay organised and detail-focused when busy.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Weekend availability preferred for contracts.

Responsibilities

• Serve food and take payments at tills.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of work areas.
• Assist in kitchen and food prep as required.
• Support colleagues and contribute to a positive team culture.

Skills

Active involvement

Fast-paced

Self-reliant

Organised

Age 18+

Weekend availability

Job description

\"You care about making a positive impact in the world. You understand greatness requires thinking differently. An inclusive and accepting work environment is important to you.\"

A job at IKEA is so much more than home furnishings. Together, we work to make a better everyday life for the many. It's the perfect fit if you want to contribute, grow, and share. Join the team and start a better life for yourself.\"

IKEA Lakeside are looking to welcome Food and Beverage Assistants to join our delightful and hardworking team. In IKEA these are also known as IKEA Food co-workers.

Our IKEA Food team bring delicious meals and joyful experiences to our customers! Whether you're creating tasty dishes behind the scenes in the kitchen, ensuring smooth service in the customer restaurant, or sharing Swedish delicacies in the bistro and Swedish Food Market, you'll play a vital role in creating a welcoming and memorable food experience for every customer. From maintaining cleanliness and hygiene to helping customers with orders and sharing Scandinavian traditions, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to great food and great service. If you love working in a fast-paced environment and making people smile—this is the perfect role for you!

WHAT WE OFFER

• Start date of employment will be: 21st November 2026
• Competitive hourly rate of £14.15 per hour.
• 16 - 12 hours per week contract, working 3-4 days per week including evenings and weekends, with every 4th weekend off.
• 12 hours per week contract, working weekends only.
• We can discuss flexibility to match your life and our business needs during the interview.

WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS

Our co-workers bring unique ideas and talent to work every day and we offer a variety of benefits that suit their and their family's everyday needs.

• 15% IKEA discount & discount portal helping you save £100’s on high-street retailers.
• Life Assurance of 4 times your pay, enhanced statutory pension contributions & interest free loans.
• Free car parking and Cycle to work schemes
• Wellbeing Centre – Mental, Physical health and nutrition resources

...as well so much more! https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/this-is-ikea/work-with-us/why-work-with-us-because-a-job-with-us-is-so-much-more-than-a-job-pub1969c310/

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE

• While previous food and customer service experience is beneficial, we are open to candidates who demonstrate a readiness to be actively involved in the work.
• Ability to work in an extremely fast-paced team environment.
• Be self-reliant and motivated, ready to work independently and as part of our team.
• Ability to remain organised and detail-orientated, even when things get busy.
• Compliance with health and safety guidelines necessitates that applicants are 18 years of age or older.
• Availability that aligns with the needs of the role is essential. For weekend‑only contracts, full availability on Saturdays and Sundays is preferred. For larger part‑time contracts, we require availability across both weekends and weekday daytime shifts.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY

• The role may involve a variety of tasks, where you will be required to serve food, take payment at tills, clean and clear the work area, work behind the scenes, and safely use kitchen equipment.
• You may have to effectively use the appropriate stock ordering processes and procedures to secure quality ingredients and food safety, introduce vitality and reduce waste.
• Ensure all safety protocols and regulations are followed for a secure environment for both our customers and co-workers.
• Support your colleagues, lend a hand, and create a positive work environment, contributing to a proud team.

WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE

It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us and feel valued in the workplace.

Final offers of employment are contingent upon clear results in mandatory background checks. Backgrounds checks must be completed by all successful candidates. This role requires:

• Medical questionnaire