At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create healthy, delicious meals for students and support the kitchen team.
- Company: Join Olive Dining, a dedicated school catering company with a passion for great food.
- Benefits: Enjoy family-friendly hours, weekends off, free meals, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: No experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and creativity!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a school community while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Good energy, attention to detail, and great communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Make a difference every day by helping provide healthy, delicious meals to children at school.
Who We Are
At Olive Dining, we believe great food brings people together - and there's no better place to do that than in schools, where young minds are growing every day. We're a dedicated school catering company serving fresh, nutritious meals to students across London, Kent, Surrey, and Essex. Now, we're on the lookout for a Catering Assistant who can help us make every school day mealtime something special. If you're passionate about food, love working in a team, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with purpose - this could be the perfect role for you.
Why You'll Love Working With Us
- Family-Friendly Hours: Term time only, so you can enjoy school holidays too!
- Weekends Off: Yes, really Monday to Friday.
- Supportive Team Culture: You're never just a number here.
- Free Meals on Duty: Because you should never work hungry.
- Wellbeing First: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme including free CBT, health, and financial support.
- Room to Grow: We believe in promoting from within and helping our people thrive.
Your Day-to-Day
As our Catering Assistant, you'll be part of the front-line team that turns good ingredients into great meals and happy faces. Your responsibilities will include:
- Washing up crockery, utensils, and kitchen equipment using our trusty dishwashing machines (and occasionally, old-fashioned elbow grease).
- Serving meals to students and staff with a smile (and maybe a little friendly banter).
- Helping the team with basic food preparation (chopping, peeling, mixing, plating, and garnishing - nothing too scary).
- Assisting with deliveries - unpacking stock and storing it in the right places.
- Making sure the service area is clean, tidy, and well-stocked during lunch.
- Helping to set up and clear down before and after service.
- Washing dishes, utensils, and equipment - making them ready for their next big performance.
- Following food hygiene and safety standards at all times.
- Supporting the team wherever needed to keep service running smoothly.
- Completion of any other reasonable requests given by your manager.
What You'll Need
- Good energy - mealtimes can be busy, and we need you to keep pace.
- Attention to detail - whether it's a neat presentation or the correct allergen labelling.
- Great communication skills - with both adults and young people.
- Reliability and good timekeeping.
- Catering experience is helpful but not essential - enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are just as important.
This Role Is Perfect If You Want to:
- Make a real impact in a school community.
- Enjoy variety and hands-on work.
- Like the idea of work-life balance that includes school holidays.
- Are ready to bring your ideas, creativity, and energy to the table.
Ready to Join the Olive Team?
If you're ready to take the next step in your catering career and want to work somewhere that values people, flavour, and fun - we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and bring your passion to the plate.
Catering Assistant - Lyndhurst Primary School - London employer: Olive Dining
At Olive Dining, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a family-friendly work environment with term-time hours that allow you to enjoy school holidays. Our supportive team culture ensures that every employee is valued, and we provide opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside benefits like free meals on duty and access to wellbeing support. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children through nutritious meals in a vibrant school setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Lyndhurst Primary School - London
✨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 Olive Dining. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Olive Dining
Don't be shy about reaching out to Olive Dining 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 - Lyndhurst Primary School - London
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 Olive Dining 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 Olive Dining
✨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!
