Food Service Assistant

Sodexo Group; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals on duty provided

Wellbeing support & EAP

Cycle to Work scheme

Uniform provided

Job summary

Sodexo is recruiting for a General Catering Assistant / Cook at Prior’s Court School in Thatcham. The role includes food preparation, ensuring high hygiene standards and delivering great service to students and visitors.

You’ll work a 37.5-hour week, with flexible shifts across 5 out of 7 days, on a permanent contract, with meals on duty provided. The position requires teamwork, reliability and previous catering experience, along with a strong commitment to safety and customer service.

Qualifications

• Good interpersonal skills with a calm nature.
• Enthusiastic and energetic approach to work.
• Self-motivated and reliable with a can-do attitude.
• Flexible and able to listen to others' views.
• Positive mindset focused on what can be done.
• Attention to personal appearance in a service environment.
• Responsible and conscientious with deadlines.
• Experience in catering or food service preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present food to the required standard following Fresh Food from Scratch ethos.
• Maintain clean and hygienic work areas and comply with safety procedures.
• Serve customers promptly with friendly, attentive service.
• Replenish food and equipment to ensure smooth service.
• Clear and clean work areas after service and complete cleaning schedules.
• Assist with administration and scheduling tasks as needed.
• Ensure allergy information and shelf life considerations are followed.
• Operate the dishwasher safely and efficiently during shifts.
• Support with hospitality bookings and event catering as required.
• Be part of a team, maintain good relations with colleagues and managers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Enthusiastic

Self-motivated

Flexibility

Positive attitude

Personal appearance

Responsibility

Conscientiousness

Ability to work under pressure

Catering/food service experience

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Thatcham

General Catering Assistant/Food Service Assistant/ Cook

Location: Prior’s Court, Hermitage, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 9NU
Pay:£14 per hour
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 DAYS with flexible shifts
Contract: Permanent

Meals on duty provided

A role that fits around your life

Looking for a role with a great work-life balance? Join Sodexo as a General Assistant/ Cookat Prior’s Court School, RG18 9NU and be part of a team that takes pride in delivering high-quality food and service in a welcoming environment.

This is a great opportunity to work in a friendly setting where your contribution helps create a positive experience for everyone who visits the site.

About the Role

As a General Assistant/ Cook, you’ll assist in the preparation of food to ensure the prompt and efficient delivery of service to the company’s and clients standards whilst maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the unit to comply with company procedures.

You’ll work as part of a supportive team delivering great service while maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and present food to the notified standard, ensuring the ethos of Fresh Food from Scratch is followed
• Ensure all work areas and surfaces are clean and tidy as is practical at all times, especially at the end of the day/shift
• Serve customers in a quick, polite manner ensuring good customer service at all times
• Replenish food and equipment to ensure an efficient and seamless service
• Clear and clean work areas after the service periods
• Complete any administration as requested including cleaning schedules
• Ensure that all food is prepared with due care and attention, particularly in regards to special dietary requirements, allergens and shelf life
• Ensure the kitchen is maintained in a clean, organized manner and all food safety and health and safety policies and procedures are followed
• Ensure crockery and cutlery is to the desired standards prior to service.
• Operating a dishwasher in a safe and efficient manner to avoid build ups that may have an impact on the customer.
• Prepare & deliver hospitality bookings to ensure the required standards are met.
• Complete all cleaning schedules to the agreed standard
• Promote a friendly working relationship with colleagues
• Undertake training and comply with all company policies and procedures
• Raise any issues to the Chef or Catering Manager in a timely manner
• Report any incidents of accident, near miss, fire, loss, theft, damage, unfit food or any other irregularities
• Work at school events, as required, with occasional evening and weekend work
• Assist with the set up, service, clearing and cleaning of function catering as requested
• Carry out any reasonable request by management
• Assist in other local units as may be necessary in an emergency

What We’re Looking For

• Good interpersonal skills- calm nature
• Enthusiastic- Displays a natural and sustained enthusiasm and energy
• Self-Motivated- Needs no encouragement to make things happen
• Strong but Flexible- Always prepared to listen and consider the views of others
• Positive-Focuses on what CAN be done
• Personal Appearance - Recognizes importance that appearance has on the attitudes of others
• Responsible - Conscious of the consequences of action or inaction
• Conscientious- Demonstrates a commitment to get things done on or before agreed deadlines
• Ability to work in a busy environment and prioritise tasks
• Previous catering or food service experience

What We Offer

Working with Sodexo is more than a job — it’s a chance to be part of a team where you’re valued and supported. We’re committed to helping our colleagues grow, feel well and succeed.

You’ll have access to wellbeing and mental health support, an Employee Assistance Programme for everyday advice and guidance, and a wellbeing app with rewards for healthy living and access to a 24/7 virtual GP.

We also offer colleague discounts for you, your friends and family, financial wellbeing tools, a retirement plan and life assurance. Alongside competitive pay, you’ll benefit from learning and development opportunities, volunteering initiatives, a Cycle to Work scheme, and a supportive working environment — with full training and uniform provided.

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

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