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- Tasks: Join our team as a Catering Assistant, serving customers and ensuring top-notch food presentation.
- Company: Be part of the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis Partnership.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals on workdays and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: No split shifts or late evenings; varied hours across seven days.
- Why this job: Experience a vibrant work culture while making a difference in customer service.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, attention to detail, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment.
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 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 tasks, including stock replenishment and storage of deliveries. Our Catering Partners enjoy free food in our dining rooms on their working days. As our shops are based in-store, 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 are varied and include full-time shifts across seven days, with early starts, late finishes, evenings, and weekends between 08:30 – 18:10.
The partnership
We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home of our 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 our 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 serve food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners, we share ownership and its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through good and challenging times, treating 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 are subject to pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks for successful candidates. You will be informed and provided with details during recruitment. DBS checks will be carried out by a third-party registered body, and financial probity checks may also be required for some roles.
- Apply early as vacancies can close quickly if we receive many applications.
- We support flexible working arrangements, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter hour contracts. Discuss this with the hiring manager during your interview.
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Catering Assistant employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨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 any interviews or conversations with hiring managers.
✨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 tasks under pressure, as this is crucial for a Catering Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for food and customer service during your interactions. Whether it's through casual conversations or during the interview, showing enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you handle teamwork and collaboration. Since the role involves working closely with others, sharing examples of successful teamwork experiences can showcase your ability to contribute positively to the catering team.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Catering Assistant 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. Highlight any specific skills related to food preparation, hygiene standards, and teamwork.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and customer service. Mention why you want to work for John Lewis Partnership and how you can contribute to their values and mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨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 enjoy working in a catering environment. This will demonstrate that you align with the company's values.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with others, highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples from previous experiences where you collaborated effectively with colleagues to achieve a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Discuss your keen eye for detail, especially in food preparation and hygiene standards. You could mention specific practices you follow to ensure cleanliness and safety in a kitchen setting, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you handle fast-paced environments. Share any relevant experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks under pressure, showcasing your ability to think on your feet and maintain high standards.