At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious coffee and provide top-notch customer service in a vibrant café.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Newcastle University’s bustling campus cafés.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and access to university perks.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a community focused on sustainability and innovation while honing your barista skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience is essential; barista skills are a plus!
The predicted salary is between 14592 - 14592 £ per year.
The Role
Join our team at Newcastle University!
Newcastle University is seeking enthusiastic and customer-focused General Assistants to join our vibrant campus café network. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a friendly, fast-paced team delivering high-quality coffee and outstanding service to our students, staff, and visitors.
We have the following opportunities available:
- Weekday shifts – 20 hours per week, 33 weeks per year (Term Time)
For informal enquires please contact catering@ncl.ac.uk
Key Accountabilities
- Prepare and serve a range of hot and cold beverages to high standards.
- Deliver exceptional customer service in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the café area in line with food safety standards.
- Operate tills, handle cash and card transactions accurately.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
- Uphold Newcastle University’s values of sustainability, diversity and community.
About you
- Previous experience in a customer-facing hospitality role.
- Previous Barista experience is desirable for this role.
- Passionate about coffee and keen to deliver a top-quality product.
- Friendly, approachable, and a proactive team player.
- Able to work efficiently in a busy environment with attention to detail.
- Flexible to work shifts across weekdays and occasional weekends.
- Food hygiene certificate (desirable, but training can be provided).
- A Full UK Driving License is desirable for this role
Why join Newcastle University?
- A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Staff development and barista skills training.
- Access to University facilities, discounts, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Be part of a university community committed to sustainability and innovation.
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Literate and numerate
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and Manual Handling Training.
- Barista Training
- Knowledge of Health and Safety.
Attributes and Behaviour
- Customer focussed approach
- Ability to communicate clearly
- Must be a good team worker and equally able to work alone
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Standards orientated
- Ability to prioritise workload and remain calm under pressure
- Positive approach to personal and skill development
- Able to work in other locations as required
- Working in a customer orientated service environment
- Reliable and dependable
- Experience of working in hospitality and catering environment.
Qualifications
- Food Safety for Caterers Level 2 Certificate
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silverAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
General Assistant, Part time in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that prioritises staff development and wellbeing. As a part-time General Assistant, you will enjoy flexible working hours, access to university facilities, and opportunities for barista training, all while contributing to a vibrant community committed to sustainability and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Assistant, Part time in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café culture at Newcastle University! Pop in, grab a coffee, and chat with the staff. This shows your enthusiasm and gives you a feel for the vibe, which can really help when you’re in the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your barista skills! If you’ve got some experience, practice making different drinks. If not, watch some tutorials online. Being able to demonstrate your passion for coffee can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or through university events. They might give you insider tips or even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to the team. Be ready to share examples of your customer service experience and how you handle busy environments. Show them you’re the friendly, proactive team player they need!
We think you need these skills to ace General Assistant, Part time in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love coffee! Share any barista experience or your favourite coffee-making techniques. This will help us see your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to our café culture.
Highlight Customer Service Skills:Make sure to emphasise your previous customer-facing roles. We want to hear about your experiences in delivering exceptional service and how you handle busy environments. This is key for us as we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Coffee
Brush up on your coffee knowledge before the interview. Being passionate about coffee is key for this role, so be ready to discuss your favourite brews and any barista experience you have. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to delivering top-quality products.
✨Customer Service Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided exceptional customer service in previous roles. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. This will demonstrate your customer-focused approach, which is crucial for a General Assistant.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since you'll be working in a fast-paced team environment, be ready to talk about your experiences collaborating with others. Highlight your ability to work independently as well, but emphasise how you thrive in a team setting. Newcastle University values teamwork, so make sure to showcase that.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Think of scenarios where you've had to manage stress or stay calm during busy periods. The café environment can get hectic, so sharing your strategies for maintaining composure and attention to detail will impress the interviewers. They want to see that you can handle the pressure while still delivering great service.
