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.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and a supportive work culture.
- 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 12 - 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 are 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.
- Teamwork.
- Great customer service.
- Experience of working in a kitchen or a catering environment.
Closing Date: February 20, 2026
Pay: £12.40 Hourly
Contract Type: Temporary
Hours of Work: Varied hours of full and/or part-time work (30 hours per week) across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends.
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Southampton (John Lewis & Partners), West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1QA
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. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
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 Southampton employer: John Lewis Partnership
At John Lewis, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every Partner is valued. Our Catering Assistants enjoy a range of benefits including free meals during shifts, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment that prioritises personal growth and teamwork. Join us in Southampton, where you can contribute to our mission of building a happier world while enjoying a rewarding career in catering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out John Lewis's values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being a part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since you'll be interacting with customers and Partners, think of examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent service. Be ready to share these during your chat!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food! Whether it's discussing your favourite dishes or sharing your cooking experiences, let your enthusiasm shine through. It’s all about making that connection with the role!
✨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. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Southampton
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 take pride in presentation and hygiene.
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 Personable and Friendly:Customer service is key in this role, so let your personality come through in your application. Use a friendly tone and mention any previous customer-facing roles where you’ve made a positive impact.
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 at John Lewis.
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 standards.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare some 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 share your experiences will highlight your suitability for the role and your alignment with the John Lewis brand.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, think of times when you’ve worked effectively as part of a team. Be ready to discuss how you contribute to a positive team environment and how you handle challenges together.
✨Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment
This job can be physically demanding and fast-paced, so prepare to talk about your experience in similar environments. Share how you manage stress and maintain high standards even when things get busy.
