Role: Catering Assistant – Maternity Cover
Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £26,510 and £28,482 per annum (Pro‑Rata) DOE and Qualifications, People’s pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 30 hours per week – 36 weeks per year – 08.00 to 14.30 Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Fixed Term – Part Time – Fixed until 08 March 2027
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About The Role
- Food Preparation & Service Delivery – Assist with food preparation, cooking, and presentation, serving food and beverages to customers while supporting hospitality functions and maintaining high standards of customer service.
- Kitchen Operations & Stock Management – Support day‑to‑day kitchen operations through stock checks, delivery management, equipment use, and ensuring catering facilities remain clean, organised, and fully operational.
- Customer Experience & Sales Support – Create a welcoming environment for customers and visitors, respond professionally to queries and complaints, and support promotions, events, and sales initiatives.
- Food Hygiene, Health & Safety Compliance – Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene, and safe working practices, ensuring compliance with health & safety regulations and reporting any concerns appropriately.
- Professionalism & Team Contribution – Work flexibly as part of the catering team, support colleagues during busy periods, maintain professional standards, and uphold safeguarding, EDI, and training requirements.
About You
- Customer Service & Transaction Handling – Experience delivering excellent customer care, handling payments through POS and PDQ systems, and maintaining professional interactions with customers in busy service environments.
- Food Preparation & Catering Knowledge – Knowledge and experience of food preparation, cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety.
- IT & Operational Skills – Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment, multitask effectively, and follow instructions accurately.
- Teamwork & Flexibility – Strong team player with the ability to adapt to changing priorities, work flexible hours to meet service demands, and contribute positively to overall team performance.
- Personal Attributes & Development – Proactive, enthusiastic and physically capable of frequent lifting tasks, with a commitment to continuous learning, skills development, and maintaining high professional standards.
For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
Interviews to be held: TBC
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
- Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who, by working together, can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
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.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Catering Assistant - Maternity Cover in Bedford employer: The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and success of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. Located at Chicksands Military Base, this role provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on learners' lives while enjoying generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave and a competitive salary. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on inclusivity, you will find a rewarding environment that fosters both personal and career advancement.
