At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to deliver exceptional catering service and support food preparation.
- Company: Be part of John Lewis, the UK's largest employee-owned business.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, competitive pay, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a fast-paced environment while showcasing your passion for food.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a love for food and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
About the role
Our Catering Assistants in our John Lewis shops will work in either our customer restaurants or behind the scenes in our partner (employee) dining rooms. Wherever you work, you’ll offer the great customer service we’re known for. It can be fast‑paced but by taking great pride in your food preparation and presentation standards, you’ll ensure the best possible catering experience. You’ll 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 being based in our shops, there is no split shifts or late evening work. In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 and 06:00 will attract a night premium at a rate of £3.50 per hour.
Key responsibilities
- Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service.
- Provide positive customer and partner interactions with a friendly and welcoming attitude, being 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 and experience
- 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 and experience
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced physically demanding environment.
- Teamwork.
- Great customer service.
- Experience of working in a kitchen or a catering environment.
Closing Date: January 4, 2026
Pay: £13.60 (£13.85 after 90 days)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Varied hours of full and part‑time work across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends between the hours of 08:30 and 20:00.
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where you’ll be working: Kingston (John Lewis & Partners), Wood Street, London, Surrey, KT1 1TE
Important points to note: It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work‑life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Catering Assistant in Kingston upon Thames employer: John Lewis Partnership
At John Lewis, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a culture of partnership and collaboration. Our Catering Assistants enjoy a supportive work environment with flexible hours, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for personal growth within a company that values kindness and respect. Join us in Kingston, where you can contribute to a team dedicated to delivering exceptional service while enjoying the benefits of being part of a cherished brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the John Lewis brand! Familiarise yourself with their values and customer service standards. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who truly understands and embodies what they stand for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Catering Assistant, you'll be interacting with customers and partners all day. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle any situation with a friendly smile.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your passion for food! Whether it’s discussing your favourite dishes or sharing experiences from previous roles, let your enthusiasm shine through. This will help you connect with the team and show you’re a perfect fit for the catering environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the John Lewis family. So, get your application in early and make sure you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know about your love for food! Share any experiences you have in food preparation or catering, and how you take pride in presenting dishes. This will help us see your enthusiasm for the role.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:We’re all about working together at John Lewis, so make sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. Whether it’s in a kitchen or another fast-paced environment, teamwork is key!
Be Detail-Oriented:In your application, emphasise your keen eye for detail. Talk about how you ensure high standards in hygiene and cleanliness, as well as your ability to follow procedures. This shows us you’re serious about maintaining our quality standards.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff About Food Safety
Make sure you brush up on the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Food Safety Act. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you take food preparation seriously and understand the importance of hygiene and safety in a catering environment.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Whether it’s a friendly interaction or resolving an issue, being able to demonstrate your ability to connect with customers will highlight your fit for the role and the John Lewis brand.
✨Teamwork is Key
Think of times when you’ve worked well in a team, especially in fast-paced environments. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview, as teamwork is crucial in catering roles. Highlight how you can adapt and support your colleagues to ensure smooth operations.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility
Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, be prepared to talk about your availability and willingness to work varied shifts. Showing that you’re adaptable and ready to jump in wherever needed will make you stand out as a candidate who can thrive in this dynamic environment.
