At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and deliver excellent customer service across various catering outlets.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Peterborough College, focused on great food and customer experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy school holidays off, competitive pension, gym access, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant catering team and make a positive impact on students' dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or food service, with a passion for food and customer care.
Salary: £10,460 per annum (actual salary)
Contract: Permanent, 33 weeks per year
Location: Peterborough
Closing Date: 7th July 2026
Are you passionate about great food, excellent customer service and creating a welcoming experience for customers? We're looking for an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our busy and friendly Catering Team at Peterborough College. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in hospitality, catering, cafés, restaurants, coffee shops or other commercial food service environments. We're looking for someone who takes pride in delivering quality food and excellent customer service, helping us provide a positive dining experience for our students, staff and visitors.
Our catering operation is much more than a traditional educational catering service. We operate multiple outlets across campus, serving a wide range of freshly prepared food and beverages while maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and customer care.
About the Role
Working across our catering outlets, including the College kitchen, deli bar, coffee shop and University Centre Peterborough, you'll play an important role in the preparation, presentation and service of food and drinks. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with food preparation and supporting chefs within the kitchen.
- Preparing and presenting sandwiches, paninis and other grab-and-go food items.
- Delivering excellent front-of-house customer service.
- Preparing barista-style coffees and hot beverages.
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and presentation.
- Supporting stock control, deliveries and replenishment.
- Handling cash, card and electronic transactions.
- Supporting hospitality and catering requirements across the College.
- Ensuring food safety, allergen management and health and safety procedures are followed at all times.
About You
We're looking for someone who has:
- Experience working in a commercial catering, hospitality, café, restaurant, coffee shop or food service environment.
- A passion for food, customer service and creating a positive customer experience.
- Knowledge of food hygiene, food safety and safe working practices.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy environment.
- A positive, flexible and proactive approach.
Experience preparing barista-style coffee and hot beverages would be advantageous, but training can be provided. Most importantly, you'll enjoy working with people, take pride in your work and be committed to delivering a high-quality service.
Why work for IEG?
- Term Time Working: Enjoy school holidays off, including Christmas and Easter breaks, with no requirement to book annual leave during these periods.
- Competitive Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), including life assurance and death-in-service benefits.
- Health and Wellbeing: Benefit from a gym, free on-site parking, access to employee assistance programme and a friendly team atmosphere.
- Professional Development: Ongoing training and development opportunities, including sponsorship for HE/professional qualifications.
- Employee Benefits and Rewards: Vivup employee benefits, including lifestyle savings, eligibility to apply for a Blue Light Card, providing access to a wide range of national discounts.
IEG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and any vulnerable groups within the college community and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Catering Assistant in Peterborough employer: Peterborough College
At IEG, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for our Catering Assistants at Peterborough College. With term-time working that allows you to enjoy school holidays off, competitive pension schemes, and ongoing professional development opportunities, we are dedicated to fostering employee growth and well-being. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values quality service and creates a positive dining experience for our college community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Peterborough
✨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 Peterborough College. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Peterborough College
Don't be shy about reaching out to Peterborough College 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!
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 Peterborough College 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 Peterborough College
✨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!
