Food Service Assistant

Sodexo; Smith's Green; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider is seeking a Catering Assistant in Smith's Green, UK. This role involves preparing and serving food, maintaining hygiene standards, and delivering excellent customer service. Candidates should have food hygiene knowledge, previous catering experience, and strong communication skills. The position offers multiple benefits, including wellbeing support programs and opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Online wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24hr virtual GP Service

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Pension Plan membership

Learning and development opportunities

Bike to Work Scheme

Enhanced benefits and leave policies

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food hygiene standards is essential.
• Previous experience in catering is required.
• Must work well within a team environment.
• Strong customer interaction skills are needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation and presentation to high standards.
• Deliver friendly and efficient service in catering areas.
• Maintain cleanliness in working spaces and equipment.
• Serve customers and promote sales effectively.

Skills

Food hygiene knowledge

Catering experience

Teamwork

Communication skills

Flexibility

Commitment to health and safety

Job description

As a Catering Assistant, you will be responsible for delivering excellent customer service through the preparation, presentation, and service of food and beverages. You will support the day-to‑day operations of the catering service, ensuring all food is served to a high standard in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This role requires a flexible and proactive approach, with a focus on maintaining hygiene, supporting service delivery, and communicating effectively with customers and colleagues. Your commitment to quality and service excellence will help ensure a positive experience for all clients and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation and presentation following company standards
• Deliver efficient, friendly service across all catering areas
• Maintain a clean and hygienic environment, including equipment and work areas
• Serve customers at counters, promote sales and service excellence
• Accurately complete all service‑related documentation
• Operate tills and manage stock on service counters/chilled decks
• Check and record food temperatures and deliveries
• Support vending machine maintenance and replenishment
• Carry out general cleaning duties, including kitchenware, floors, and surfaces
• Attend and support special functions, including some outside of regular hours
• Report incidents, complaints, or issues promptly
• Cover other areas as required during staff absence

Qualifications

• Food hygiene knowledge
• Previous catering experience
• Ability to work well in a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A flexible, self‑motivated approach
• Commitment to health, safety, and food safety practices
• Focused on delivering service excellence at all times

Why Sodexo?

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
• Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular big‑brand retailers
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
• Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
• Sodexo UK and Ireland's enhanced benefits and leave policies

A little more about Sodexo: At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.