Food Service Assistant

Activate-Learning-1; Guildford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards

Wellbeing Resources

Health Cash Plan

Learning and Development

Pension Schemes

6 weeks annual leave

On-Site Facilities

Job summary

Activate Learning is seeking a Food Service Assistant in Guildford to join our college dining team. Reporting to the Kitchen Supervisor, you will help with daily catering tasks, restock supplies, handle deliveries, and maintain high standards of food safety and presentation.

The role runs 7:00–15:00, Monday to Friday during term time (0.85 FTE) and offers training to develop catering and hospitality skills within a supportive, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certification: Basic certificate or willingness to train.
• Experience in food service, cafe, or retail settings.
• Experience handling cash and customer service in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic food preparation and ensure healthy menu options.
• Operate a barista-style coffee machine to serve drinks.
• Restock and rotate stock, handle deliveries, and maintain cleanliness.
• Label food items in compliance with food safety regs and allergen procedures.
• Support campus catering orders, setup and delivery/collection.
• Process EPOS payments accurately and securely.

Skills

Food Hygiene

Till Operation

Catering Experience

Job description

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Food Service Assistant

Reference: SEP20261614

Expiry date: 22:59, Wed, 7th Oct 2026

Location: Guildford

Benefits: Competitive holiday, excellent career pathways and fantastic onsite facilities

An opportunity has arisen for a Food Service Assistant to join our team at our Guildford 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, and some of this will include lone working.

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.
• EPOS cash/payment handling and processing.

This is a permanent, full-time role working 7:00-15:00 Monday-Friday during term time (0.85 FTE) at our Guildford College.

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

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.

Why work with the Activate Learning Group?

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 Activate Learning staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave..
• 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.

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.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are 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.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.