Weekend Catering Assistant (General Assistant)

Weekend Catering Assistant (General Assistant)

Part-Time 12 - 15 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
Manchester Arndale

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in food prep, serve meals, and maintain a clean catering environment.
  • Company: Join a supportive team at Lakeside Mental Health Unit.
  • Benefits: Access to learning opportunities, discounts, and wellbeing resources.
  • Other info: Flexible weekend hours with potential for training in food safety.
  • Why this job: Make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience in catering.
  • Qualifications: Customer-focused attitude and ability to work in a fast-paced team.

The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.

This position is based at Lakeside Mental Health Unit, Isleworth, working Saturday - Sunday 4pm - 7:30pm. As a Catering Assistant, you will support the delivery of a high‑quality food and hospitality service, helping to create a welcoming and efficient catering environment for customers, clients and colleagues. This role plays an important part in the smooth day‑to‑day operation of catering services, working as part of a team to deliver a professional, friendly and reliable service.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with basic food preparation in line with menu requirements and food safety standards.
  • Serve food and beverages to customers in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Support the set‑up and close‑down of catering areas, including counters and seating areas.
  • Maintain cleanliness of kitchen, service and dining areas.
  • Wash up utensils, dishes and equipment as required.
  • Replenish food, beverages and consumables during service periods.
  • Follow all food safety, health & safety and hygiene procedures at all times.
  • Use catering equipment safely and correctly.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth service delivery.
  • Provide a positive and customer‑focused experience at all times.

Ideal Candidate

  • Right to Work in the UK and willingness to undergo a DBS check.
  • Previous experience in a catering, hospitality or food service environment (desirable but not essential).
  • A basic understanding of food hygiene and safe handling practices.
  • Allergen knowledge.
  • A positive, friendly and customer‑focused attitude.
  • Ability to work well as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Good timekeeping, reliability and a flexible approach to work.
  • Willingness to follow instructions and procedures.

Desirable

  • Level 2 Food Safety or Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to undertake training).
  • Experience working within Facilities Management (FM) or contract catering services.

Benefits

OCS is committed to creating a supportive workplace. You can access learning opportunities through the OCS Academy and a range of discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources via the Hapi app. We are an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Weekend Catering Assistant (General Assistant) employer: Manchester Arndale

At OCS, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment at the Lakeside Mental Health Unit in Isleworth. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through access to the OCS Academy for learning opportunities, alongside a range of wellbeing resources and rewards via the Hapi app. Join us to be part of a friendly team dedicated to delivering high-quality catering services while enjoying the benefits of a flexible schedule and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Manchester Arndale

Contact Details:

Manchester Arndale Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Weekend Catering Assistant (General Assistant)

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Lakeside Mental Health Unit and OCS. Understanding their values and mission can help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about providing a friendly and professional service, think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers. This will help you shine during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Be ready to demonstrate teamwork! The job requires working collaboratively with colleagues, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked in a team before. Share specific stories that highlight your ability to support others and contribute to a positive environment.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. This way, you’ll have access to all the resources we offer and stay updated on your application status.

We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Catering Assistant (General Assistant)

Food Preparation
Food Safety Standards
Customer Service
Cleanliness Maintenance
Hygiene Procedures
Catering Equipment Usage
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to our friendly team.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Weekend Catering Assistant. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, like your understanding of food hygiene or customer service skills.

Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications and experiences.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Arndale

Know Your Role

Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with food safety standards and the importance of creating a welcoming environment. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Show Off Your Team Spirit

Since this job involves working as part of a team, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in collaborative settings. Share examples of how you've worked well with others, especially in fast-paced environments, to highlight your ability to contribute positively to the team.

Customer Service is Key

Prepare to demonstrate your customer-focused attitude. Think of specific instances where you provided excellent service or handled difficult situations with customers. This will show that you understand the importance of a positive experience for clients and colleagues alike.

Ask Smart Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the catering services or the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also gives you a chance to assess if the workplace is the right fit for you.