At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create delicious meals and serve students with a smile every day.
- Company: Join Olive Dining, a dedicated school catering company making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy family-friendly hours, weekends off, and free meals on duty.
- Other info: Room for growth and a supportive team culture awaits you!
- 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 key.
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.
- 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.
- And the 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.
Temporary Catering Assistant- Highbury Fields Secondary School - London employer: Olive Dining
At Olive Dining, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where every member is valued and encouraged to grow. With family-friendly hours during term time, weekends off, and access to wellbeing resources, we ensure our Catering Assistants can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of students at Highbury Fields Secondary School.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Catering Assistant- Highbury Fields Secondary School - London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Catering Assistant- Highbury Fields Secondary School - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Olive Dining
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at Olive Dining. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
