General Assistant

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk

Job Description

General Assistant (Job number: 25001847)

Operations Directorate

Open-Ended/Permanent – Part Time Term Time Only (12 Months)

Closing Date: 08-Feb-2026, 11:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

THE UNIVERSITY

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

The Role and Department

THE OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE

The Operations Directorate is dedicated to providing a world-class experience for our diverse student and staff communities, which is essential to our students’ learning journey. Our passionate team delivers services and facilities across 15 colleges, including catering, housekeeping, reception, security, and maintenance.

All staff within the Operations Directorate share the responsibility for supporting environmental and social sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation and re‑use and recycling as outlined in operating procedures. These resources create a safe environment where our students can live, work, dine, socialise, and thrive together.

Within the Operations Directorate, we have three key areas:

• University Catering: Our robust catering team of 500 ensures fresh, exciting, and diverse dining experiences throughout our colleges, catering to the unique needs of our University Community, which includes students, staff, and visitors, and offer expert advice on bar management.
• College Operations: With over 200 dedicated professionals, we provide residential services within the colleges as well as supporting student and non‑student‑led events.
• Retail Services: Our branded retail catering and merchandise outlets offer an enticing array of menus and high‑quality products thoughtfully presented to enhance the shopping experience for our students and staff whilst building positive relationships via efficient service and attentive staff.

The Role

General Assistants are responsible for supporting a professional, responsive and efficient catering service for students, staff and visitors, ensuring that food production is presented, served, replenished to an exceptional standard and in line with standard operating procedures. The post holder will also assist with day‑to‑day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, checking and signing for deliveries.

Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to undertake any or all the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift.

Successful candidates are expected to always promote a positive image of University Catering and Durham University.

Specific Role Information

There are various contracts available, these can be discussed in further detail at the interview stage.

• St Aidan\’s College: 30 hours per week, 52 weeks a year
• St Aidan\’s College: 35 hours per week, 52 weeks a year
• Hatfield College: 35 hours per week, 32 weeks a year

The post holder will be required to work any 5 days out of 7, which may include some evenings and weekends. Typical working hours are between 7am and 9:30pm.

Working in the catering team requires an element of physical manual handling, which can include lifting and transporting catering equipment.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 days annual leave per year (in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days including time off between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle‑to‑work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• On‑site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• Generous pension schemes.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

• Experience of basic food production and preparation.
• Ability to accurately follow written and oral instructions.
• Positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexibly.
• Ability