Food & Beverage Assistant - Lakeside

IKEA; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Discount portal

Life Assurance

Pension contributions

Interest free loans

Free car parking

Cycle to work

Wellbeing Centre

Job summary

IKEA Lakeside is seeking Food and Beverage Assistants (IKEA Food co-workers) to join our welcoming team. You may serve in the customer restaurant, kitchen, bistro, or Swedish Food Market, helping create memorable food experiences for customers.

Role involves fast-paced work, 18+ eligibility, and weekend/evening availability. Several contract options exist including weekend-only or part-time schedules, with a range of employee benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in food and customer service is beneficial, but willingness to learn is welcome.
• Ability to work in a very fast-paced team environment.
• Be self-reliant, motivated, and able to work independently and with others.
• Must be 18 or older and available for weekend shifts as needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve food and take payments at tills.
• Clean and clear work area and support kitchen operations.
• Follow safety protocols to ensure a secure environment for customers and co-workers.
• Support colleagues and contribute to a positive team culture.

Skills

Food & beverage service

Customer service

Fast-paced environment

Teamwork

Organised

Job description

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.

...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/

WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS

• 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

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.

Come see the wonderful workday where we create a better everyday life for the many.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION

Let us know if you require any adjustments to be made during the interview process as soon as possible.

We understand not everyone will be successful, but we promise to keep you informed either way.

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