Front of House Assistant

Sodexo; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Retirement plan

Brand discounts

Gym offers

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Sodexo is hiring Front of House Assistants at George Watson's College in Edinburgh. You’ll support meal service, assist with food prep, and maintain hygiene standards in a school catering setting.

The role offers term-time only, 38 weeks, 20 hours per week, with shifts mostly Monday to Friday, 10:30–14:30. DBS clearance is required and equated pay is explained at interview stage.

Qualifications

• A positive attitude and enthusiasm for food, teamwork and delivering great service.
• Strong communication and organisational skills to manage tasks during busy service.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining cleanliness and attention to detail.
• A basic Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to work towards one.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is required.
• Proactive, reliable, and eager to learn.
• Previous catering/food service experience desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Receive and check deliveries, store ingredients correctly, and follow stock rotation procedures (including first-in, first-out).
• 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.

Skills

Positive attitude

Teamwork

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Work under pressure

Willingness to learn

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Front of House Assistants

George Watsons College , 67-71 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG

• Pay £13.45 per hour
• Hours: 20 hours per week available
• Shifts: 5 days over 7 (predominantly Monday to Friday)
• Hours 1030 - 1430
• 38 week contract (term time only)

Equated pay (sometimes known as spread-over pay) is a method of paying you for your contracted hours, working weeks, and holiday pay spread over 12 months instead of just receiving pay during the months that you work and none during the school closures/non-working weeks. This means that you get paid equal amounts every month. Further information will be supplied at the interview stage.

Job Introduction:

Do you enjoy preparing food and want to make a positive impact in a school environment? Join Sodexo as a Front of House Assistant at George Watsons College and 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.

George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6. We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.

Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.

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.
• Receive and check deliveries, store ingredients correctly, and follow stock rotation procedures (including first-in, first-out).
• 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 isclosure Scotland (Scotland) PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme).

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