Food Service Assistant

Activate Learning; Farnham; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

A pioneering education group is seeking a part-time Food Service Assistant at Farnham College. The role requires strong customer service skills and prior experience in food service. You will oversee daily operations of the catering outlet, assist with food preparations, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. This position is ideal for candidates available during peak lunch hours, emphasizing training to succeed.

Benefits

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards

Wellbeing Resources Groups

Free eye tests

Access to Health Cash Plan

Learning and Development opportunities

Generous Annual Leave

Flexible Working options

Free parking

Access to gym facilities

Qualifications

• Experience in a food service environment is critical.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate is essential.
• Ability to handle transactions efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the catering outlet.
• Assist with food preparation and service.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety protocols are followed.

Skills

Strong customer service experience

Food service experience

Ability to operate coffee machines

Excellent communication

Education

Food Hygiene Certification

Job description

About the Role

Food Service Assistant

An opportunity has arisen for a Food Service Assistant to join our team at our Farnham College. In this dynamic college environment, you'll play a key role in providing excellent customer service to both staff and students.

Reporting to the Kitchen Supervisor, you will oversee the daily operations of the catering outlet, assist with basic food preparation, and deliver exceptional customer service. Your responsibilities will include restocking, handling deliveries, rotating stock, and ensuring our space is always presented to the highest standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with basic food preparation, adhering to healthy school guidelines that promote balanced meals for everyone.
• Operating our barista-style coffee machine to serve drinks.
• Clearing, cleaning, and storing food and beverage equipment following safety protocols.
• Labelling all food items in accordance with food safety regulations and following allergen safety procedures.
• Supporting hospitality orders, including preparation, setup, and delivery/collection across the campus.

This is a permanent, part-time role working 10 hours per week during term time (0.23 FTE) at Farnham College.

This is a part-time role, working 2 hours per day, Monday to Friday. The position is ideal for someone available between 12:00 pm and 14:00 pm to support our catering team during our busiest service period.

What do you need to be successful as a Food Service Assistant?

To excel in this position, the ideal candidate should bring strong customer service experience, ideally gained within the hospitality sector. Experience in food service or sales, along with any additional qualifications in catering or hospitality, would be highly beneficial. However, we are committed to providing training to ensure you succeed in this role.

Key qualifications and experience include:

• Food Hygiene Certification: You should already hold a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or be willing to undertake the necessary training to obtain one. This is essential for maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and safety expected in our food service operations.
• Food Service & Till Operation Experience: Previous hands-on experience in a food service environment, such as working as a café or till operator, will be critical. This includes managing transactions, handling food, and providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced setting.
• Catering Outlets and Coffee Shop Experience: Ideally, you will have previous work experience in catering outlets, coffee shops, or similar food service areas. This experience will help you quickly adapt to our work environment and deliver the best possible service to our customers.

Additional qualifications or work experience in catering, hospitality, or related fields will be an asset, but we are happy to support the right candidate with all necessary training to develop these skills further. This role requires individuals who are adaptable, customer-focused, and passionate about food service excellence.

Who we are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you're working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave
• Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis; we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK; we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Applicants are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning is committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.