At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver top-notch customer service in bars, cafes, and restaurants at Birkbeck.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive team at Birkbeck, University of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 31 days leave, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with opportunities for growth in a vibrant setting.
- Why this job: Perfect for those passionate about hospitality and looking for a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Previous bar experience and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 15653 - 16056 £ per year.
Birkbeck, University of London, is looking for a Bar and Catering Assistant to be a part of our dynamic team within the University's catering environment. Birkbeck is renowned for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it a great place to work and grow your career.
As Bar and Catering Assistant you'll provide exceptional customer service to students, staff, and visitors in the Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Catering environments, hospitality and behind a bar serving drinks. This is a permanent, part-time role at 20 hours per week, working shifts from Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 9.30pm.
The duties for this role include:
- Providing efficient and friendly service to all customers at the University Student bar, cafes and restaurant
- Making hot and cold Barista Drinks, serving behind a till, stocking up, completing digital Health and Safety records, cleaning to a high standard, receiving and storing deliveries
We have a small team and so teamwork is important to support colleagues and foster a strong team. The successful candidate needs a flexible approach to working as a Barista, Bartender and Catering Assistant within our varied team.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has previous Bar experience including, pouring and serving drinks, and working in a bar environment
- Understands health and safety protocols
- Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Is flexible with working hours, including evenings and weekends
If you have experience as a Bartender, Café Assistant, Food Service Assistant, Coffee Shop Attendant, Catering Staff, or Hospitality Assistant, you might find this role at Birkbeck to be a great fit for your skills and interests. If you're passionate about customer service and looking for a flexible role in a diverse environment, this role at Birkbeck could be perfect for you.
Salary and benefits: Actual £15,653 rising to £16,056 per year (pro-rated £27,461 rising to £28,169). Salary is Grade 2 on the College's London Pay Scale, which includes London Weighting Allowance. Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.
Contract: Permanent, part-time contract (20 hours a week, 0.57 FTE).
Closing date: Monday 24 August. Interview date: Friday 4 September 2026.
Enquiries: If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Matthew Rose, F&B Operations Manager, at matthew.rose@bbk.ac.uk. If you have technical issues or difficulties using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding a bronze Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
Bar and Catering Assistant employer: Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck University of London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters intellectual growth and collaboration. As a part-time Politics Tutor, you will benefit from flexible working hours, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to engage with diverse students in the heart of London. The university's commitment to professional development ensures that you can enhance your teaching skills while contributing to meaningful educational experiences.
Contact Details:
Birkbeck, University of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar and Catering Assistant
✨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 Birkbeck, University of London 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 Bar and Catering Assistant
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 Birkbeck, University of London 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 Birkbeck, University of London.
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 Birkbeck, University of London get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck, University of London
✨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 Birkbeck, University of London 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.
