Food Service Assistant

Sodexo Group; Hassocks; Hybrid; GBP 35,818,000 - 39,950,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo Group at Hurstpierpoint College in Hassocks is hiring a Food Service Assistant to help prepare and serve meals for students and staff. You will join a supportive team that values care and collaboration and aims to deliver great food every day.

The role involves basic food preparation, maintaining hygiene, and working with the catering team to support events. A DBS clearance is required and some shifts may occur outside regular hours.

Qualifications

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to work towards one.
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Experience in catering/food service is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve fresh meals on time at correct temperature.
• Assist with basic food prep and keep areas clean.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety per policy.
• Collaborate with catering team to support students.
• Assist with school events; some hours outside regular days.
• Provide friendly, professional service to students, staff and visitors.
• Support portion control and minimise food waste.
• Suggest ideas to improve service delivery.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Organisation

Customer service

Attention to detail

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Title Food Service Assistant

Location Hurstpierpoint College, College Lane, Hassocks, BN6 9JS

Rate of Pay £12.90 per hour

Hours 40 Hours per week

Shift Pattern Various. 5 days across Monday to Saturday.

Term Time No.

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline BN6 9JS

Job Introduction:

Do you enjoy preparing food and want to make a positive impact in a school environment? Join Sodexo as a Food Service Assistant at Hurstpierpoint Collegeand help serve meals that fuel students and staff for success. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values care, collaboration, and bringing people together through great food every day.

What You’ll Do:

• Support the preparation and service of fresh, high-quality meals, ensuring food is presented well and served on time at the correct temperature.
• Assist with basic food preparation tasks and help keep the kitchen and service areas running efficiently throughout the day.
• Maintain excellent standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and food safety in line with company policies and legal regulations.
• Work collaboratively with the wider catering team to create a positive, supportive environment for colleagues and students.
• Help with school events and special functions when required, occasionally outside normal working hours.
• Provide a friendly, professional, and approachable service to students, staff, and visitors.
• Support portion control and minimise food waste to ensure an efficient and sustainable service.
• Contribute ideas to improve service delivery, processes, and the overall dining experience.

What You Bring:

• A positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm for food, teamwork, and delivering great service.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks efficiently during busy service periods.
• The ability to work well under pressure while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and attention to detail.
• A basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to work towards one); relevant catering qualifications are an advantage but not essential.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is required.
• A proactive, reliable approach with a willingness to learn, develop new skills, and contribute ideas to improve the service.
• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, or food service role, ideally within a school or similar environment is desirable but not essential.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo isn’t just another job but a chance to be part of something that matters. Here, you’re welcomed for who you are, encouraged to bring your ideas and purpose to the table, and given the opportunity to make a real difference in the work you do every day. You’ll also find the support, flexibility, and room you need to grow in a way that feels right for you.

With over 20 Sodexo benefits to choose from, you’ll have access to a competitive retirement plan, discounts at 1,900+ retail brands, great gym offers, and a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for emotional, legal, and financial support.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and/or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).

Note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.