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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Catering Partner, serving customers and ensuring top-notch food experiences.
- Company: Be part of the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis Partnership, known for quality and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals on workdays and flexible working arrangements for a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Experience a vibrant work culture, make a difference, and be an ambassador for a beloved brand.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, attention to detail, and a friendly attitude are essential; kitchen experience is a plus.
- Other info: Roles available in full and part-time across various shifts, with no late evenings.
Apply on JLP Jobs – the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners.
About the role
Our Catering Assistants in our John Lewis shops work in either our customer restaurants or behind-the-scenes in our Partner (employee) dining rooms. You will offer the great customer service we\’re known for. The role can be fast-paced, but by taking pride in your food preparation and presentation standards, you\’ll ensure the best catering experience. You will also support other catering-related tasks, including stock replenishment and storage of deliveries. Our Catering Partners enjoy free food in our dining rooms on their working days, and since they are based in our shops, there are no split shifts or late evening work.
Key Responsibilities
- Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service.
- Provide positive customer and Partner interactions with a friendly and welcoming attitude. Be an ambassador for the John Lewis brand at all times.
- Follow procedures and instructions using the \’Health and Safety at Work Act\’ and \’Food Safety Act\’ when completing all relevant tasks.
- Ensure stock is replenished and available for our customers.
- Reduce food wastage by ensuring care and due diligence when rotating food stock.
- Act promptly and use your initiative to resolve any issues that arise in the operation.
- Maintain personal hygiene standards.
Essential skills/experience you\’ll need
- Ability to be flexible to work across the whole Catering team and use your initiative to ensure the smooth running of the operation.
- Passion for food.
- Keen eye for detail and high standards in food preparation, hygiene, and cleanliness.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
- Teamwork.
- Great customer service.
- Experience of working in a kitchen or catering environment.
Hours vary and include full and part-time roles across seven days, with early starts, late finishes, evenings, and weekends.
The partnership
We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees; we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to the future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.
We’re focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt, and diversify. We are committed to price, quality, and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners, we share ownership and its rewards. We contribute to our success, work together through good and challenging times, and treat everyone with kindness and respect.
We own making the Partnership a place where everyone belongs, embracing differences and creating an environment to thrive. We grow individually and collectively.
As Partners, we make all the difference. And we all own it.
Important points to note:
Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks. If required, you will be informed and provided with information about the vetting process. DBS checks will be carried out by a registered third-party body, and financial probity checks may also be required for some roles.
We recommend applying promptly as vacancies may close early if we receive many applications.
We support flexible working arrangements to promote a good work-life balance. This may include flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Please discuss your preferences with the hiring manager during your interview.
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Catering Partner employer: John Lewis & Partners
Contact Detail:
John Lewis & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the John Lewis brand and its values. Understanding their commitment to customer service and quality will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in fast-paced environments, especially in catering or food service. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed busy situations while maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for food and customer service during your interactions with the hiring team. Share your enthusiasm for creating positive dining experiences, as this is key to the role of a Catering Partner.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you handle teamwork and communication in a kitchen setting. Being able to work collaboratively and effectively with others is crucial, so have examples ready to illustrate your teamwork skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and essential skills required for the Catering Partner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in catering or customer service. Emphasise any teamwork, flexibility, and attention to detail you have demonstrated in previous roles.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to a positive dining experience in past roles, and explain why you want to work for John Lewis Partnership.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food during the interview. Talk about your favourite dishes, any cooking experiences you have, and why you love working in a catering environment. This will demonstrate that you align with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs. Highlight your ability to support colleagues and contribute to a positive work atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Discuss your approach to maintaining high standards in food preparation and hygiene. You could mention specific practices you follow to ensure cleanliness and safety, which are crucial in a catering role.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
Think of potential customer service scenarios you might face in the role and how you would handle them. Being able to showcase your friendly and welcoming attitude will help you stand out as a candidate who embodies the John Lewis brand.
