At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in maintaining clean catering areas and support the team with daily operations.
- Company: Join ARU, a global university known for its innovative education and impactful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Perfect for those wanting to gain experience in catering while making a difference for students.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring a can-do attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Work 35 weeks a year with flexible hours and potential for extra shifts.
The predicted salary is between 18947 - 24310 £ per year.
ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU's research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK's Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK's leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.
At our ARU Writtle campus, we specialise in animal, environmental, agricultural and horticultural courses, for learners aged 16 to 18, adult learners, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The Catering Service in Writtle currently operates a main restaurant, coffee shop and provides hospitality for meetings and events. Your can-do attitude will enable you to assist the team with maintaining clean and tidy catering areas. You will operate the dishwasher, wash up, unpack deliveries, and keep stores and fridges/freezers neat and tidy. You will take pride in providing an attractive and clean catering outlet for all customers.
Although experience in a similar role is desirable, a willingness to learn is more important. We’re happy to offer full training, as well as opportunities for further development, including qualifications. Good communication skills and a strong customer focus are essential.
This role will work Monday-Friday, usually 11:15am-7:15pm, although there are a few weeks of the year where these working hours may vary. This role works 35-weeks of the year. The 35-weeks typically follows the Higher Education Timetable, which means Easter and Christmas would be non-working weeks, as well as a long summer break. The postholder would be required to work during school half term weeks. With advance notice there may be occasional extra hours available, for which paid overtime would be offered.
If you’re interested in working in catering and supporting the team with delivering an excellent service for our students, we’d love to hear from you.
Informal enquiries can be made to Benny Welham, Assistant Catering Manager, at benny.welham@aru.ac.uk
We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. Visit our benefits page for full details.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children’s Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be obtained from here.
This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
In accordance with the UK Government's immigration points-based system, this post does not meet the characteristics of a skilled job including salary criteria to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.
Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
Please download the Job Description Person Specification for key requirements. To apply, demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the criteria.
Kitchen Porter employer: Anglia Ruskin University
Contact Detail:
Anglia Ruskin University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Porter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the catering services at ARU Writtle. Understanding their operations, such as the main restaurant and coffee shop, will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your willingness to learn during any informal conversations or interviews. Since they value a can-do attitude over experience, showing enthusiasm for training and development can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Reach out to Benny Welham, the Assistant Catering Manager, for an informal chat. This can give you insights into the role and demonstrate your proactive approach, which is likely to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your customer service skills. Since good communication and a strong customer focus are essential, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase these abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Porter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Kitchen Porter position. Highlight any relevant experience or skills you possess that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in catering or similar roles. Emphasise your willingness to learn, good communication skills, and customer focus, as these are essential for the position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific aspects of ARU that appeal to you and how you can contribute to their catering service.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglia Ruskin University
✨Show Your Can-Do Attitude
The role of a Kitchen Porter requires a positive and proactive approach. During the interview, express your willingness to take on various tasks, from washing dishes to keeping the kitchen tidy. Highlight any past experiences where you demonstrated a similar attitude.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
While experience is desirable, a strong desire to learn is more important for this position. Be prepared to discuss how you adapt to new environments and your eagerness to receive training and develop your skills further.
✨Demonstrate Good Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential in a catering environment. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated with team members or customers in the past. This will show that you can work well within a team and provide excellent service.
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Kitchen Porter at ARU. Mention your understanding of the importance of maintaining cleanliness and organisation in catering areas, as well as your readiness to work flexible hours when needed.