At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while providing friendly customer service.
- Company: Join Lodestone House, a leading catering provider in the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy healthcare checks, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for growth in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' lives through nutritious food and exceptional service.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and passion for customer service are key; catering experience is a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
About us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Lodestone House is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Lodestone House has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Lodestone House serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK.
About the role
We're currently recruiting a Catering Assistant to join Lodestone House on a full time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week. You'll be at the heart of the kitchen and the counter, helping to serve up fresh, tasty food and the kind of friendly service that makes someone's day. No two shifts are quite the same, and you'll pick up new skills every one of them. Please note: This role is contracted to 39 weeks per year.
What you'll do
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
- Crafting eye-catching food and counter displays that draw customers in
- Proudly representing Lodestone House and embodying our positive brand image
- Handling transactions with ease and operating the cash register efficiently
- Upholding the highest standards of Food Handling & Hygiene
- Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment by adhering to Health & Safety regulations
What we offer
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package:
- Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
- Employee Assistance Programme - Mental health support, offering confidential advice and resources to help you navigate personal and professional challenges
- Perks at Work - Access to exclusive benefits and wellbeing resources
- Career training & development opportunities - Including Apprenticeships and Career Pathways
- Earn up to 500 when you refer a friend
- Comprehensive pension scheme and life assurance
About you
Our ideal Catering Assistant will:
- Bring a positive, can-do attitude to everything you do
- Show genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer service
- Be a supportive and collaborative team player
- Stay calm and cheerful when things get busy
- Demonstrate excellent timekeeping and reliability
- Put safety first in every task (experience in catering is a bonus, but your enthusiasm matters most)
Lodestone House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Catering Assistant - Witley in Guildford employer: Lodestone House
Compass Group UK&I is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance and professional development within the vibrant setting of an independent school in Edinburgh. Employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a commitment to high standards in food quality and health safety, and the chance to lead a motivated team dedicated to customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Witley in Guildford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Lodestone House. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lodestone House
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lodestone House directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - Witley in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Lodestone House and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lodestone House
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
