At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food prep and service while ensuring a great customer experience.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Plumpton College's Graze Café.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive environment that values your passion for food and service.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a teamwork mindset are essential.
- Other info: Access to lifestyle benefits, wellbeing initiatives, and a structured induction.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 13 £ per hour.
Are you passionate about food and providing excellent customer service? Will you thrive in a fast-paced and varied role working alongside an enthusiastic team? We’re looking for the newest member of our excellent Catering team to join us as a Food Service Assistant. Plumpton College’s Graze Café is a hub for our Higher Education students and those studying at programmes at Level 3, as well as staff and visitors to the College, providing an essential and much‑appreciated service to the 5,000 students who attend Plumpton College each academic year.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in food preparation and service, complying with hygiene and presentation guidelines
- Serve meals and take payments promptly and always provide an excellent customer experience
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen and dining areas
- Communicate well and work with team members to ensure a seamless dining experience
What We Offer
- Competitive pay
- Flexible hours
- Opportunities for career growth
- A supportive and inclusive work environment
Requirements
- Strong communication skills
- A teamwork‑oriented mindset
- Previous experience in food service is a plus, but not required
- Bring your passion for food and service to our team!
Apply today either by submitting a CV here or via our vacancies page which is linked below. Please note that we may shortlist and interview for this role during the time that it is advertised, so it is advisable to submit your application as soon as possible. At Plumpton College, we live our values—Ambitious, Professional, Enterprising, Passionate, Supportive—in everything we do. We offer a competitive salary alongside a generous benefits package, including up to 26 days’ annual leave (for year‑round contracts) and up to 5 efficiency days at Christmas. Staff are enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme and have access to comprehensive CPD opportunities and in‑house teacher training where applicable. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and a signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace. New colleagues benefit from a structured induction and a supported six‑month probationary period. Employees also enjoy a range of lifestyle and wellbeing benefits such as eligibility for a TOTUM card and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted Plumpton wine and courses, free onsite parking, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Our commitment to staff wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through regular networking events, active EDI and Sustainability committees and social events at Christmas. If you would like any information available in a more accessible format, please email recruitment@plumpton.ac.uk. We reserve the right to call candidates to interview/withdraw this vacancy at any time if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible. We are unable to offer Visa sponsorship for this role. We are not currently working with agencies for catering/hospitality recruitment.
Food Service Assistant (32.5h/week) employer: Plumpton College
Contact Detail:
Plumpton College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Service Assistant (32.5h/week)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Plumpton College and its Graze Café. Understanding their values and what they offer will help you connect better during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about providing an excellent experience, think of examples from your past where you've gone above and beyond for customers. We want to hear those stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork spirit! Be ready to discuss how you work well with others. This role thrives on collaboration, so share any experiences where you’ve successfully worked in a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of us. Don’t wait too long, as we might start shortlisting candidates while the job is still advertised.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Service Assistant (32.5h/week)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and customer service shine through! We want to see how excited you are about joining our team at Graze Café and making a difference for our students and staff.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since this role is all about working with others, make sure to mention any experiences where you've collaborated with a team. We value strong communication and a teamwork-oriented mindset, so share examples that showcase these skills!
Keep It Clean and Organised: Just like in the kitchen, your application should be tidy and well-structured. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for us to read. A neat application reflects your attention to detail, which is super important in food service!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our vacancies page! Applying directly through our website helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plumpton College
✨Know Your Stuff About Food
Brush up on your food knowledge! Familiarise yourself with the menu items and any dietary requirements that might come up. Showing that you’re passionate about food will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since this role is all about teamwork, be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate will show that you’re a great fit for their enthusiastic team.
✨Customer Service is Key
Prepare to discuss your approach to customer service. Think of specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer. This will help you convey your dedication to creating a seamless dining experience for students and staff alike.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Food service can get hectic, so be ready to talk about how you handle fast-paced environments. Share strategies you use to stay organised and maintain cleanliness, as this will reassure them that you can thrive in their busy café setting.