At a Glance
- Tasks: Create enjoyable mealtime experiences for residents by preparing and serving nutritious meals.
- Company: Join Abbeyfield Living Society, a leader in care for older people for nearly 70 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 31 days paid leave, instant access to overtime pay, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team, and a commitment to high standards of cleanliness and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through great food and meaningful interactions.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, a Food Hygiene Certificate, and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.35 - 13.92 £ per hour.
For almost 70 years, Abbeyfield Living Society has been a leading provider of housing and care for older people across England. Our work is guided by five core values – Care, Compassion, Community, Integrity and Excellence – and we are proud of the difference our teams make every day in the lives of residents, colleagues and local communities.
We are now looking for a friendly and enthusiastic Catering & Hospitality Assistant to join our team at Downing House Care Home in Withington and help provide an outstanding dining experience for our residents.
Role: Catering & Hospitality Assistant
Location: Swinbourne Grove, Withington, Manchester, M20 4PP
Pay: £13.35 - 13.92 per hour
Hours: 19.5
Shift Times: 11am - 6pm - Week 1: Wed, Sat & Sun. Week 2: Mon, Thu & Fri.
Contract: Permanent / Part Time
The Role of Catering & Hospitality Assistant
As a Catering & Hospitality Assistant, you'll play a vital role in creating an enjoyable mealtime experience for our residents. Working as part of a dedicated catering team, you'll prepare and serve nutritious, appetising meals while ensuring every resident's dietary needs, preferences and wellbeing remain at the heart of everything you do. You'll prepare breakfasts, light meals and snacks, support the preparation of modified diets and bake fresh treats throughout the day. You'll also work closely with residents to understand their preferences, helping to create varied and balanced menus that promote choice and enjoyment.
In addition to food preparation, you'll help maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, manage stock levels, place catering orders, work within agreed budgets and ensure the kitchen remains clean, safe and compliant with Environmental Health and COSHH requirements. This is a rewarding role where you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to residents' daily lives through great food, excellent service and meaningful interaction.
About You
You'll have experience working within a catering or hospitality environment and take pride in delivering high-quality food alongside excellent customer service. You will understand the importance of nutrition in supporting older people's health and wellbeing and enjoy creating a positive dining experience for every resident. You'll also need:
- Experience working in a catering or food preparation environment
- A Food Hygiene Certificate and a good understanding of food safety legislation
- Knowledge of the nutritional needs of older people and specialist dietary requirements
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Basic IT skills, including the use of email and digital systems
- A reliable, flexible and professional approach to work
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety
Ideally, you'll also have:
- First Aid certification
- Experience working within a care home, housing or healthcare environment
- Confidence with light cooking and baking, creating alternative meal options and working within catering budgets
At Abbeyfield Living Society, we are committed to rewarding our staff for their hard work. Our benefits include:
- Up to 31 days paid leave, including bank/public holidays (pro rata)
- Work overtime? With Dayforce Wallet, access your extra pay instantly, with no waiting until payday!
- Book Virtual GP appointments, claim back healthcare and dental expenses with Medicash
- Comprehensive induction and training
- Pay progression within role based on skills and contribution
- Learning and career development opportunities – support with on-the-job qualifications
- Company pension and life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Shop and save vouchers
- Opportunity to obtain Blue Light Card discounts
- A menopause-friendly accredited organisation
Please note this role will require eligibility to work in the UK, two satisfactory employment references and an Enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Abbeyfield. You may be asked to provide details regarding convictions; failure to disclose convictions may result in an offer of employment being revoked.
General Assistant - Housekeeper and Domestic in Manchester employer: Abbeyfield Group
Abbeyfield Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where compassion and respect for residents are at the forefront. With flexible shifts and competitive pay, employees can balance their personal lives while making a meaningful impact in the community. The company prioritises training and development, ensuring that both seasoned professionals and newcomers to care have the opportunity to grow and thrive in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Assistant - Housekeeper and Domestic in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Abbeyfield Group and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace General Assistant - Housekeeper and Domestic in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Abbeyfield Group that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Abbeyfield Group.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Abbeyfield Group get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbeyfield Group
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Abbeyfield Group and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
