At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to deliver exceptional customer service and support catering operations at Whipsnade Zoo.
- Company: Be part of Restaurant Associates, a leading premium hospitality provider with iconic venues.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible shifts, and opportunities for growth in a fun environment.
- Other info: Zero-hour contract with varied shifts; must be able to commute to Whipsnade Zoo.
- Why this job: Work in a vibrant setting, meet new people, and gain valuable experience in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Passion for service, teamwork, and reliability; experience in hospitality is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 10.67 - 10.67 £ per hour.
Location: Whipsnade Zoo
Salary: 16-17 years old (£10.67ph), 18-20 years old (£10.85ph), 21+ years old (£12.71ph)
Contract: Zero-hour contract, working across venues that have a 7 day a week operation. Weekend and evening work is required. Weekly paid.
We're on the lookout for enthusiastic Catering Assistants to join our busy, successful catering team at Whipsnade Zoo on a flexible, zero-hour basis. As a member of the front of house team, you will be part of a hard-working, friendly group who all have the same goal – to deliver exceptional customer service to our visitors.
This role requires you to be responsible for a variety of tasks, including basic food production & preparation, customer service, and supporting the overall catering operations while ensuring compliance with all Health and Food Safety regulations. Supporting the delivery of the excellent front of house operation standards onsite is expected whereby you will be welcoming guests, serving food & drinks, operating the till system and preparing coffees to a high standard.
In return, you’ll have the opportunity to grow with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards employees who go the extra mile. Due to the location of Whipsnade Zoo, public transport can be quite limited, so please factor this in when applying, as it is essential you are able to get to and from site with no issues. Apply today to join our team!
Shifts will vary between Monday to Sunday. Due to the nature of the business, we offer a variety of shifts, giving you flexibility while earning extra income. Please ensure you can commit to mainly working daytimes and evenings throughout the week and weekend. It is vital you are able to work during the school holidays too, as this is a busy time for the venue. This is a casual zero-hour role, so hours will vary depending on the needs of the business, on a weekly basis.
About You
- Have a passion for delivering outstanding service, greeting customers with a smile and serving them with pride
- Take initiative and make decisions that are right for our customers
- Be an excellent team player with great communication skills
- Have a desire to succeed in your role
- Possess the ability to work under pressure
- Demonstrate exceptional timekeeping and reliability
- Have a safety-first mindset
- Experienced in hospitality, catering, or customer service (desirable)
About Us
Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York. Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first. Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.
Catering Assistant - Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable employer: Chartwells Independent
At Restaurant Associates, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic employer, offering flexible zero-hour contracts that allow you to balance work with your personal life while earning competitive pay. Our team at Whipsnade Zoo is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service in a fun environment, with ample opportunities for growth and development as we celebrate individuality and reward hard work. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values collaboration and sustainability in one of the UK's most iconic visitor attractions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable
✨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 Chartwells Independent 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 Catering Assistant - Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable
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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent.
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 Chartwells Independent get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨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 Chartwells Independent 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.
