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- 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, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a fast-paced setting while showcasing your passion for food.
- Qualifications: Flexibility, attention to detail, and a love for great customer service.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a culture that values kindness and respect.
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.
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/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.
- Team Work.
- Great customer service.
- Experience of working in a kitchen or a catering environment.
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 Oxford employer: John Lewis plc
Contact Detail:
John Lewis plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Oxford
✨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 gone above and beyond to provide great service. This will make you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your passion for food! Whether it's discussing your favourite dishes or sharing your experiences in a kitchen, let your enthusiasm shine through. It’s all about showing that you care about what you do!
✨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 that you’re proactive and serious about joining the John Lewis family.
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 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 previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
Be Friendly and Welcoming: Customer service is key in this role, so use your application to showcase your friendly attitude. Mention any past experiences where you’ve provided excellent service, and how you can be an ambassador for the John Lewis brand.
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 and being part of the John Lewis family.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨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 safety seriously, which is crucial for a Catering Assistant role.
✨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.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of times when you’ve worked well with others. Be ready to discuss how you contribute to a positive team environment and how you can support your colleagues in a fast-paced setting.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Flexibility
The job requires flexibility, so be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to different tasks and shifts. Share any experiences where you’ve had to be flexible in your previous roles, as this will show you’re a great fit for the dynamic catering environment.
