Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to deliver exceptional catering service and 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.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a fast-paced environment while showcasing your passion for food.
- Qualifications: Flexibility, attention to detail, and a love for food are essential.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
Our Catering Assistants in our John Lewis shops 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 with 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 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £3.50 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
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.
- 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.
- Ability to work in a fast paced physically demanding environment.
- Team Work.
- Great customer service.
- Experience of working in a kitchen or a catering environment.
Closing Date: January 31, 2026
Pay: £13.00 Hourly
Contract Type: Temporary
Hours of Work: Varied hours of full time work (37.5 hours per week) across seven days to include early starts of 08:00, late finishes of 18:00, evenings and alternate weekends (Saturday & Sunday).
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You’ll Be Working: Oxford (John Lewis & Partners), 101 The Westgate, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, OX1 1PB
Catering Assistant in Oxford employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the John Lewis brand inside out! Familiarise yourself with their values and what makes them tick. This way, when you chat with the hiring team, you can show off your passion for their mission and how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to handle tricky situations or provide top-notch service. Being able to demonstrate your friendly attitude and problem-solving skills will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork experience! Whether it’s in a kitchen or any other setting, share examples of how you’ve worked well with others. John Lewis loves a collaborative spirit, so show them you’re a team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there, making it easier for us to keep in touch with you throughout the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences you have in food preparation or catering, and don’t forget to mention how you keep things clean and tidy.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: We’re all about working together at John Lewis, so make sure to emphasise your ability to collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team in the past, especially in fast-paced environments.
Be Customer-Focused: Customer service is key in this role, so highlight any relevant experience you have. Talk about how you’ve gone above and beyond to create positive interactions with customers or colleagues.
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 shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Understand the importance of customer service and food safety regulations, as these will likely come up during your interview. Being able to discuss how you would handle specific situations in a fast-paced environment will show that you're prepared.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Since this role requires a passion for food, be ready to share your experiences related to food preparation or catering. Talk about your favourite dishes to prepare or any relevant experiences you've had in kitchens. This will help convey your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the values of John Lewis and their focus on partnership.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they ensure a positive customer experience. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
