At a Glance
- Tasks: Support meal preparation and lead a new coffee shop, delivering excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a leading contract caterer for independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, volunteering days, and discounts on brands through Perkbox.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career development and training.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant school community while developing your catering career.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in catering or customer service is a plus; a positive attitude is essential.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and reliable Catering Assistant & Saturday Coffee Shop Supervisor to join our team within a thriving independent school in Northampton.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine a weekday catering role within a busy school kitchen with responsibility for leading a brand-new coffee shop on Saturdays, supporting parents, pupils, staff and visitors during fixtures, events and community activities.
You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK's leading contract caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges.
We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school.
The safety and wellbeing of the people we serve is at the heart of everything we do.
A key element is effective allergen management; achieved through training, communication and care, we create mealtimes where every pupil has a safe experience.
Our mission is simple: to provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their job and our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.
Working as part of the main kitchen team, you will support the preparation and service of fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff from 7:30am to 3:00pm, Monday to Thursday.
On Saturdays, you will take the lead role within our new coffee shop, operating from 7:00am to 12:30pm, delivering excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment for the wider school community.
The successful candidate will be passionate about food and customer service, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and be confident taking ownership of a customer‑facing operation.
A flexible approach is essential, as the role will also support occasional evening and weekend events throughout the academic year.
- Opportunity to lead a brand-new coffee shop operation
- Blend of kitchen-based and customer-facing responsibilities
- Regular interaction with parents, pupils, staff and visitors
- Involvement in sports fixtures, hospitality and school events
- Excellent development opportunities within Holroyd Howe
- A varied role offering both teamwork and individual responsibility
- Hours 35 hours per week (Term Time Only)
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30am to 3:00pm
- Saturday: 7:00am to 12:30pm
- Flexibility to support occasional evening and weekend events as required, Support the preparation and service of high-quality meals within the main school kitchen.
- Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, allergen management, health and safety.
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the school's coffee shop on Saturdays.
- Deliver exceptional customer service to pupils, parents, staff and visitors.
- Support catering and hospitality requirements for school functions, fixtures and events.
- Assist with stock control, merchandising and maintaining an attractive coffee shop environment.
- Ensure all catering and service areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver an outstanding catering experience.
- Demonstrate flexibility to support additional evening and weekend events when required., Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
Fresh thinking New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.
- Previous catering, hospitality or customer service experience is desirable.
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Understanding of food hygiene and allergen management principles.
- A flexible approach to working hours to support school events when required.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their catering career while taking ownership of an exciting new coffee shop operation at the heart of a busy and welcoming school community.
- Ideally have experience working within contract, or high-volume catering
- Possess a good Health & Safety knowledge
- Flexible with a can-do attitude, customer-focused
- Fun and enthusiastic
- Have excellent organisation skills
- Demonstrate great attention to detail
- Be a team player and enjoy succeeding as a team
- Possess great customer service skills
- Have a flexible approach to work
Why Join Us?
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training & development opportunities
- Pension & life insurance
- Discounts on high street brands, cinema and holidays via the Perkbox App
- Wellbeing hub and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development through apprenticeships for all experience levels
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Catering Assistant & Coffee Shop Supervisor- Holroyd Howe - Hardingstone in Northampton employer: Holroyd Howe
At Holroyd Howe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. As the Head Chef at CFBL in London, you will enjoy generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, bespoke training opportunities, and free meals while working, all within a vibrant environment dedicated to creating outstanding culinary experiences for our pupils. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and fosters career growth through tailored development paths.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant & Coffee Shop Supervisor- Holroyd Howe - Hardingstone in Northampton
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Holroyd Howe. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Holroyd Howe
Don't be shy about reaching out to Holroyd Howe directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant & Coffee Shop Supervisor- Holroyd Howe - Hardingstone in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Holroyd Howe and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holroyd Howe
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!