At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious food and create eye-catching displays in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in catering at iconic UK venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy personal development, health support, and a great wellbeing strategy.
- Other info: Flexible hours, social events, and recognition schemes await you!
- Why this job: Make an impact in a vibrant environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude and passion for customer service; experience is a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
We are Company of Cooks, and we believe brilliant food and drink starts with brilliant people. For over 25 years, we've been part of some of the UK's most loved cultural destinations, from historic palaces and botanical gardens to buzzing galleries and performance spaces, running the cafés, restaurants, bars and events that bring these incredible places to life.
Our values - Craft, Creativity and Community - guide everything we do. They shape how we work together, how we support our partners, and how we make each guest feel welcome. If you care about food, people and doing things properly, you'll feel right at home here.
Wherever we are, we do more than serve. We bring places to life through food, service and creativity and we're looking for a Catering Assistant to join our team at Hampton Court Palace in Surrey.
Hours: 30 hours per week (5 out of 7 days)
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Location: Hampton Court Palace in Surrey
About the role:
As a Catering Assistant, you'll be part of a dynamic, fast-paced team, contributing to a positive and friendly work environment. The role offers numerous opportunities for growth within a company that values individuality and invests in its employees. Your hard work will be recognised and rewarded, making it an excellent chance to advance in a supportive setting.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
- Crafting eye-catching food and counter displays that draw customers in
- Proudly representing CH&CO and embodying our positive brand image
- Handling transactions with ease and operating the cash register efficiently
- Upholding the highest standards of Food Handling & Hygiene
- Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment by adhering to Health & Safety regulations
Our ideal Catering Assistant will:
- Bring a positive, can-do attitude to everything you do
- Show genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer service
- Excel as a supportive and collaborative team player
- Embrace the excitement of thriving under pressure
- Demonstrate impeccable time management and reliability
- Prioritise safety in every task you undertake
- Previous experience in a similar catering role is a bonus, but your enthusiasm is what truly matters
What's in it for you?
Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Family friendly support
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- Volunteering days
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Locations
Catering Assistant - Surrey employer: ESS
At Company of Cooks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values Craft, Creativity, and Community. As a Catering Assistant at the iconic Hampton Court Palace in Surrey, you'll enjoy numerous personal development opportunities, a supportive team environment, and a range of benefits including a life assurance scheme, healthcare support, and regular social events, all while contributing to the creation of memorable dining experiences in one of the UK's most beloved cultural destinations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Surrey
✨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 ESS 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 - Surrey
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 ESS 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 ESS.
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 ESS get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨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 ESS 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.