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 opportunities for personal growth and teamwork in a supportive atmosphere.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Our Catering Assistants in our John Lewis shops work in either our customer restaurants or behind-the-scenes in our Partner (employee) dining rooms. 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 £3.75 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: June 2, 2026
Pay: £13.91 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, late finishes, evenings and weekends between the hours of 08:00 - 18:00.
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Oxford (John Lewis & Partners), 101 The Westgate, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, OX1 1PB
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 Oxford employer: John Lewis
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 opportunities for personal growth within a dynamic retail environment. Join us in Oxford, where you can contribute to our mission of building a happier world while enjoying a fulfilling career in catering.
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 a tricky situation 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 showcase your teamwork abilities! Whether it’s in a kitchen or any other setting, share examples of how you’ve worked well with others. The Catering Assistant role is all about collaboration, so let them know 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 have access to all the latest roles and updates directly from us. Don’t miss out on the chance to join 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! Mention any experiences or hobbies that highlight your passion for cooking or catering. We want to see that you care about what you serve!
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since you'll be working as part of a team, make sure to emphasise your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues. Share examples of how you've worked well in a team before – it’ll show us you’re a great fit for our catering crew!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in catering, so don’t forget to mention your keen eye for cleanliness and food preparation standards. We love candidates who take pride in their work and can keep things running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get all the info you need right there. Plus, we can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨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 scenarios can really impress.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Since this role requires a passion for food, be prepared to share your experiences related to food preparation or catering. Talk about your favourite dishes to prepare or any relevant experiences that showcase your enthusiasm for the culinary world.
✨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 fast-paced environments. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in delivering great service.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they ensure high standards in food preparation. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
