At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve food, manage stock, and maintain a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Join the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue catering team in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a supportive team while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in a canteen or similar role; food hygiene training provided.
An opportunity has arisen within our catering team section for a Permanent Catering Assistant, based at our Training & Development centre in Handsworth, Sheffield.
Location: SYFR Training and Development Centre, Handsworth, Sheffield S13 9QA
Hours: Part Time, 20 hours per week (Flexible working hours)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,949 per annum, pro rata (Grade 3) *To increase subject to national pay award negotiations for 2026.
The overall purpose of the role will be to undertake the preparation of food, serving of food, putting away stock and rotation of stock. There will also be general kitchen and dining room duties, including cleaning, setting up and clearing away equipment and tables. You will be expected to carry out food safety procedures. The role will include using a till and cash handling and reconciliation.
To be considered for this role you will have previous experience of working in a canteen or similar environment and familiar with food allergies. Ideally you must possess the basic food hygiene certificate – if not, training will be provided.
The key duties will include:
- Preparation and serving of food
- General kitchen and dining room duties, including cleaning, setting up and clearing away equipment and tables.
- To carry out food safety procedures.
- The role will involve stock putting away and rotation.
- The role will include using till and cash handling and reconciliation.
Closing date for applications is 16.00 hours on 24 July 2026.
Interested? If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.
New starters will commence on the bottom of the salary grade and will receive increases to the top of the grade on an incremental basis. We offer 28 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus Bank Holidays. Annual leave increases after 5 years’ service to 32 days, followed by an extra day a year up to a maximum of 37 days. We also operate a generous flexi time attendance scheme. Most of our corporate roles offer flexi time and agile working, meaning people can vary their hours to suit their commitments outside of work as agreed with their line manager. Flexi time can be accrued with a potential of up to 13 days to be taken within a year.
All eligible corporate staff are auto-enrolled onto the Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions ranging from 5.5% to 12.5%. It is a defined benefit pension scheme that means pensions are based on salary and the length of paying into the scheme. 1/49th of your pensionable salary is added to your pot per year plus cost of living adjustments. Further information on the scheme, and additional benefits, can be found on the LGPS website.
Other benefits include (but not limited to) – enhanced sick pay, access to free on-site gyms, a cycle 2 work scheme, access to emergency services discounts across a wide variety of popular companies, enhanced maternity and paternity schemes and the opportunity to join the TransaveUK credit union.
We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We warmly welcome applications from individuals who identify with underrepresented groups within our workforce, including individuals from Minority Ethnic backgrounds, women, those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender (LGBT+), and individuals with disabilities. In addition, we will look to support anyone who requires Part Time/Job share working hours. We believe that a diverse workforce leads to innovation, creativity, and better decision-making, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Please note the appointment is subject to successful pre-employment screening i.e. asylum and immigration check, references, medical screening, and a minimum of a standard level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which includes current and spent criminal records information. Enhanced checks with barred lists will be carried out for roles that undertake ‘regulated activity’ which is a term related to working with children or vulnerable adults. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
If you require any of our recruitment documents in larger print please contact our recruitment team.
No agencies please.
Catering Assistant in Sheffield employer: South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue
Join our dedicated catering team at the SYFR Training and Development Centre in Handsworth, Sheffield, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and employee well-being. As a Catering Assistant, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and access to various benefits including enhanced sick pay and a defined benefit pension scheme. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered to grow within their role.
Contact Details:
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Sheffield
✨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 South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue 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 Catering Assistant in Sheffield
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 South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue 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 South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue.
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 South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue
✨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 South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue 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.
