At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Food & Beverage Assistant and deliver excellent customer service in a lively café.
- Company: Dover District Council, committed to first-class public services and a supportive work environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, healthcare membership, generous leave, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Full training provided; opportunities for additional hours and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and make a real impact on visitors' experiences.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 € per hour.
Please indicate in your application if you are interested in 8 or 16 hours per week. Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first‑class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive.
The Role & Responsibilities
Kearsney Café is looking for a warm, energetic, and customer‑focused Food & Beverage Assistant to join our friendly team. If you enjoy working with people, take pride in great service, and thrive in a lively café environment, we’d love to hear from you. Located in the heart of Kearsney Parks, the café is a busy venue serving thousands of visitors each year. Alongside day‑to‑day café service, we also cater for small weddings and private events in the Billiards Room, making this a varied and fast‑paced role. We are recruiting several Food & Beverage Assistants, each for up to 16 hours per week. As the first point of contact for our customers, you’ll play a key role in ensuring every visitor receives a warm welcome and excellent service. The role requires flexibility, as no two weeks are the same. Shifts would typically be between 4‑8 hours, with occasional opportunities for additional hours. Shifts will include weekends, weekdays, and occasional evenings when private events are scheduled.
What We’re Looking For
- A positive attitude and genuine passion for customer service
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to stay calm and organised during busy periods
- Reliability, punctuality, and a willingness to learn
- Previous café/barista or hospitality experience to include cash handling and an understanding of epos till systems helpful but not essential – full training provided
Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a Basic DBS check as part of their pre‑employment clearances. This role requires a driving licence or the ability to get to locations in a timely manner equivalent to motor travel in your own vehicle.
What We Can Offer
We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:
- Benenden Healthcare membership and Employee Assistance Program
- Opt‑in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
- Generous annual leave provision
- Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
- On‑site parking (site dependent)
- Cycle 2Work scheme
- Generous salary sacrifice Car Scheme
The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process. For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.
What Next
If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Lorraine Lyons, Operations Manager at Kearsney Cafe at Lorraine.Lyons@dover.gov.uk. Interviews to be held on 3 March 2025.
Food & Beverage Assistant in Dover employer: Dover District Council
Dover District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where employees can thrive. As a Food & Beverage Assistant at Kearsney Café, you will enjoy flexible working hours, opportunities for personal growth, and a range of employee benefits including healthcare membership and a local government pension scheme. Join our enthusiastic team in a vibrant café setting, serving the community and making every visitor feel welcome.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food & Beverage Assistant in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café vibe! Before your interview, swing by Kearsney Café and soak in the atmosphere. Chat with staff or customers if you can; it’ll give you a feel for the place and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to handle tricky situations or busy periods. Being able to demonstrate how you’d keep calm and organised will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your flexibility! Since shifts can vary, be ready to discuss your availability during the interview. Highlighting your willingness to work weekends and evenings will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Food & Beverage Assistant in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service:Make sure to highlight your genuine love for customer service in your application. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you truly enjoy making people happy and providing excellent service.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since we’re looking for assistants for 8 or 16 hours per week, be upfront about your preferred hours in your application. This helps us understand how you fit into our team and the shifts we need to fill.
Keep It Friendly and Professional:Your application should reflect the warm and friendly vibe of Kearsney Café. Use a conversational tone while keeping it professional, so we can get a sense of your personality and how you’d fit in with our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to jump into the café environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dover District Council
✨Know the Café Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Kearsney Café and its offerings. Familiarise yourself with their menu, special events, and the overall vibe of the place. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about customer interaction, be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent service in the past. Think of specific situations where you went above and beyond for a customer, as this will highlight your passion for the job.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
The job requires flexibility and teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you handle busy periods and work well with others. Share experiences where you adapted to changing situations or collaborated effectively with colleagues to ensure smooth operations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like at the café. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
