At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our friendly team serving high-quality food to the College community.
- Company: Be part of a vibrant catering team at Downing College, Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, free lunches, and access to gym facilities.
- Other info: Great opportunities for social events and career development.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in hospitality while working flexible hours.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience in hospitality is preferred; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 14306 - 14306 £ per year.
Permanent, part-time position – 20 hours per week. Salary £14,306.45 pro rata (gross, Step 29 of the College Salary Scale). An opportunity to join our friendly Catering Front‑of‑House team who prepare and serve a range of high‑quality food, including fine dining, to the College community and commercial guests. Full training will be provided, and you will have the opportunity to learn and develop skills from the rest of the team. Hours will include a mix of shifts between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, mainly covering evening and weekend shifts. The rota of shifts may be amended from time to time. Employees will also be required to take part of their annual leave during the Christmas closure period, extending into the New Year.
Qualifications
- Experience of Front‑of‑House in the hotel or hospitality industry, gained within a customer facing role.
- Ability to work with and cover for other members of the staff team.
- A Certificate in Food Hygiene and a good understanding of Food Safety and relevant Health & Safety legislation are desirable.
Benefits
- 35 days holiday (including bank holidays and Christmas closure period).
- Discretionary bonus scheme.
- Free College lunches on working days.
- Pension scheme (with matched contribution up to 10 %).
- Free access to an Employee Assistance programme 24/7.
- Healthcare cash scheme (e.g. for prescriptions, dental, optical, physiotherapy).
- Free life assurance cover.
- Optional subsidised private medical scheme.
- Cycle purchase scheme, giving substantial savings on cycle purchase.
- Free use of on‑site gym facilities.
- Free on‑site car parking.
- Social events.
- An additional day off for your birthday.
Application
To apply, click "Apply Now" on the advert posting on our website (Staff vacancies Downing College Cambridge) and complete an application form. You may upload your CV in support of your application. Closing date Midday on Friday 12 June 2026. The closing date may be brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Applications are welcomed from a broad range of backgrounds. All applicants will be contacted once shortlisting has taken place. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Applicants who declare a disability will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the job.
We are pleased to offer this document in an accessible format. Please contact HR if you wish to receive this advert and role profile or an application form in a different accessible format, e.g. large print.
Food Service Assistant (Part-time) in Cambridge employer: Job Search Place Limited
Join our welcoming Catering Front-of-House team at Downing College, where you will not only serve high-quality food to our vibrant community but also enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With generous benefits including 35 days of holiday, free meals on working days, and access to on-site gym facilities, we ensure that our staff feel valued and motivated. This part-time role offers flexible shifts and the chance to develop your skills in a dynamic environment, making it an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Service Assistant (Part-time) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the College and its catering services. 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 family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience in front-of-house roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. First impressions matter, especially in a customer-facing role like this one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy to submit your application directly on our site. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our friendly team at Downing College!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Service Assistant (Part-time) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’ll give you a clear idea of what we’re looking for in a Food Service Assistant and help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Show Off Your Experience:When filling out your application, highlight any relevant experience you have in the hospitality industry. We love seeing how your background can contribute to our friendly Catering Front-of-House team!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our team, so showing us who you are can really make a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply directly through our website by clicking 'Apply Now'. This ensures your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Familiarise yourself with common practices in the hospitality industry, especially those related to front-of-house roles. This will show that you're serious about the position and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Show Your Personality
As a Food Service Assistant, you'll be interacting with customers regularly. During the interview, let your personality shine through! Be friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic about the role. This will help the interviewers see how well you’d fit into their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role involves a mix of shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability. Highlight your willingness to work evenings and weekends, and mention any previous experience you have with flexible working hours. This shows that you’re adaptable and ready to meet the needs of the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or what a typical day looks like. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
