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- Tasks: Assist chefs in preparing and serving meals for up to 250 visitors daily.
- Company: Join Essex Outdoors, a vibrant outdoor activity centre in beautiful countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full training, and access to discounts and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in catering while enjoying a dynamic team environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just bring your energy and teamwork skills!
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal development and recognised qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 25081 - 25081 £ per year.
Essex Outdoors will be looking for enthusiastic and motivated people to join our catering teams at Danbury between April and September 2026. Aged 16 years or over, while experience isn’t essential, you’ll need to have plenty of energy and initiative and be great at working as part of a team as well as on your own. Based at one of our very busy outdoor activity centres, you will assist Chefs and Cooks in providing three great choice and quality meals a day for up to 250 residential visitors. You will be part of a friendly, customer-focused group of people in a vibrant fast-paced environment. Full in-house training is provided, and there may also be the opportunity to complete nationally recognised qualifications.
About the role
- Responsible for basic food preparation.
- Washing up, using a fully automated machine and cleaning some larger cooking items by hand.
- To ensure that cleanliness is maintained within the facilities and are adequately stocked.
- To maintain a high standard of personal and general cleanliness and hygiene to comply with statutory regulations.
- To use powered cleaning and catering equipment in accordance with the relevant safety requirements.
- During the season there may be some early starts and late finishes, as well as the requirement to work weekends or bank holidays.
In return we provide a competitive salary, full in-house training for all staff, as well as an Essex Outdoors t-shirt to wear with your own presentable attire and appropriate footwear.
Experience You Will Bring
- Possesses a 706/1 qualification or equivalent plus experience of working within a large volume catering environment.
- Current First Aid and Food Hygiene certificates.
- Ability to develop skills and knowledge within role.
- Ability to ensure the maintenance of a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene for all resources to comply with statutory regulations.
- Experience of preparation, cooking and service of food and beverages to the required standard and volume with the ability to create and follow agreed menus and recipes.
- Ability to use kitchen and cleaning equipment and train others in the correct use of this equipment.
- Ability to manage and support the work of others and show good organisational skill.
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written with experience of delivering excellent customer service.
- Ability to prioritise own workload and that of a team.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for this position you will need an up-to-date CV and a personal statement explaining your interest in the role including the following information:
- Availability - What is your earliest start date after 1 April 2026?
- Commitments - Please provide the dates of any commitments that mean you are not available to work between April and September 2026, for example booked holiday, university, exams etc.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Catering Assistant in Danbury employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Danbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Essex Outdoors. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the role of Catering Assistant. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you’re in the interview, let your passion for catering and working in a team shine through. Employers love candidates who are excited about the role and can bring positive energy to the workplace.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your interest in the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Danbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight any relevant experience, even if it's just a part-time gig or volunteer work. We want to see your energy and initiative shine through!
Nail Your Personal Statement: This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for the Catering Assistant role. Share your passion for food, teamwork, and customer service. Don't forget to mention your availability and any commitments you have during the season!
Show Off Your Skills: If you've got any qualifications like food hygiene or first aid, flaunt them! Even if you don’t have formal experience, let us know about any relevant skills or training that could help you in this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you'll get all the info you need about the role and our awesome team at Essex Outdoors!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like food preparation, cleanliness standards, and customer service. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your ability to collaborate and support others, as well as your initiative when working independently.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety
Given the importance of hygiene in catering, brush up on food safety regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and comply with health standards, as this will show your commitment to providing a safe environment for customers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the types of meals you'll be preparing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
