At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare, cook, and serve delicious meals while keeping the kitchen spotless.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University Student Union, a vibrant charity focused on student support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a chance to work during term-time.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a lively student community while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and teamwork; experience in food prep is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20982 - 20982 £ per year.
Pay: This role pays £20,982.96 per year (salary has been pro-rated for part-time hours).
Hours: The role will work 30 hours per week, working 6 hours per day, 5 days per week. Evening and weekend work required.
Interview: Interviews will take place shortly after applications close.
Job Duration: We have some flexibility regarding the role, offering University term-time only options if it better suits the successful candidate.
About Us: We’re Heriot-Watt University Student Union, an independent charity buzzing with energy, driven by and for our students. We’re all about doing good, that’s why all surplus funds generated through Liberty’s Café, Geordies Bar and the Student Union Shop are channelled straight back into crucial student support services like our Advice Hub.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: At HWUnion, diversity isn’t just celebrated; it’s our strength. We thrive by bringing together voices from all walks of life, and we’re excited for you to help us champion this mission.
Role Overview: As a Catering Assistant, you’ll be whipping up delicious dishes and creating a welcoming dining atmosphere at our bustling Student Union venues. It’s your hard work that will keep our students fuelled up and ready to face their days with a smile. Catering Assistants work across our food outlets and kitchen. This role is focused on working in our kitchen - prepping, cooking, plating and serving meals for our bar and cafe. On occasion, the role may cover in our outlets serving customers (if required). There is an option of flexibility available in this role, to work during University term-time.
What You’ll Do:
- Culinary Craft: Prepare, cook, and serve mouthwatering meals that keep everyone coming back for more.
- Clean Team: Keep your workspace spotless and sanitary, ensuring a safe eating environment for everyone.
- Event Ready: Help us cater events that are the highlight of our student calendar.
- Service Star: Provide top-notch service to every student and guest, making their meal experiences memorable.
Key Responsibilities:
- Food Prep Excellence: Ensure all food prep is done to the highest standards, following health and safety guidelines.
- Efficient Operations: Manage your tasks efficiently, from operating the till to handling customer payments and queries.
- Team Player: Work collaboratively as part of the kitchen team and alongside the front of house team to deliver an outstanding dining experience.
- Dynamic Service: Engage with our students and staff warmly, making sure each order is perfect and delivered with a smile.
Your Superpowers:
- Passion for Food: You love everything about food, from chopping ingredients to presenting dishes.
- Detail Dynamo: You notice the little things that make a big difference in food preparation and hygiene.
- Team Enthusiast: You thrive in a team and believe that together, everyone achieves more.
Activities:
- Preparing, cooking and serving food to customers.
- Provision of service to table and clearing as needed.
- Compliance with current regulations and legislation relevant to the post.
- Opening and closing the kitchen.
- Preparing and serving drinks to customers.
- Occasionally operating the till and handling customer payments.
- Support to deliver event catering as required.
Other Duties:
- Any other duties deemed appropriate for the role by the Line Manager.
- Comply with all HWUnion policies, procedures, and governing documents.
- Undertake personal and professional development as required to maintain appropriate knowledge and skills.
What next? If this sounds like the role for you, make sure you read the full Job Description and Person Specification below. If you’d like an informal chat about the role, contact Alex Roberts, Bar & Catering Manager on 0131 451 5333. To apply, click "Apply Now" and fill in our online application form.
Catering Assistant (Kitchen) employer: Heriot-Watt University Student Union
Heriot-Watt University Student Union is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises student engagement and community spirit. As a part-time Retail Assistant, you'll enjoy flexible hours that fit around your studies, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development within a supportive environment dedicated to enhancing the student experience.
Contact Details:
Heriot-Watt University Student Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant (Kitchen)
✨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 Heriot-Watt University Student Union 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 (Kitchen)
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 Heriot-Watt University Student Union 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 Heriot-Watt University Student Union.
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 Heriot-Watt University Student Union get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University Student Union
✨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 Heriot-Watt University Student Union 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.
