At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious food and drinks while creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
- Company: Join the vibrant catering team at Plumpton College.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free gym access, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Term-time role with potential for evening and weekend shifts.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team making a real difference in the college community.
- Qualifications: Outgoing, flexible, and a team player; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 27800 £ per year.
Hours: 12 hours per week, Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 15:30
We are looking for a friendly, reliable and customer‑focused Food Service (Catering) Assistant to join our busy Catering team at Plumpton College. This is an important role supporting the day‑to‑day service in the Potting Shed, which serves students, staff and visitors, as well as assisting with events and functions across the college. You will also help support our other catering outlets, including the Graze café and the main dining room. Our Catering team takes pride in providing good quality food, efficient service during busy periods, and a welcoming experience for everyone who uses our facilities.
What you’ll be doing:
- Serving food and drinks across our catering outlets
- Providing a friendly and efficient service to students, staff and visitors
- Cleaning kitchen, servery and dining areas
- Following food hygiene, safety and cleaning procedures
- Recording food temperatures and completing cleaning checks
- Helping with stock rotation and reducing food waste
- Supporting college events and functions when required
- Assisting in other catering areas and with vending machines as needed
What we’re looking for:
- Is outgoing, approachable and flexible
- Works well as part of a team
- Can stay calm and effective under pressure
- Is able to undertake manual handling duties
Desirable, but not essential:
- Experience in a similar role
Because of the college’s location, own transport is desirable unless living onsite.
Benefits:
- We offer a competitive salary, pension scheme, comprehensive CPD opportunities and a supportive working environment.
- Additional benefits include: Totum card and Blue Light Card eligibility
- Free eye tests and use of onsite gym
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme and discounted college wines and courses
- Free onsite parking and access to competitively priced dining facilities
- Employee Assistance Programme
Basic working hours are 09:00 to 15:30 on Thursday and Friday, although some flexibility will be required to meet the needs of the business. This is a term‑time only role. Some evening, weekend and holiday working may be required.
We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high number of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non‑discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis. Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Employment cannot begin until the appropriate DBS clearance has been received and considered.
Apply now to join a forward‑thinking college and help provide an excellent catering service for our students, staff and visitors.
Food Service Assistant - Potting Shed in Lewes employer: Plumpton College
Plumpton College is an excellent employer that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about supporting learners with special educational needs. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including a pension scheme and employee assistance programme, and a strong commitment to continuous professional development, employees can thrive in a supportive work culture that values their contributions. Located in a vibrant educational environment, this role offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while advancing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Service Assistant - Potting Shed in Lewes
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Plumpton College and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Service Assistant - Potting Shed in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Plumpton College that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Plumpton College.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Plumpton College get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Plumpton College
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Plumpton College and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
