At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver excellent customer service and assist in catering operations on campus.
- Company: Join a vibrant university catering team dedicated to quality and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days of holiday, a generous pension scheme, and gym discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing fresh food and great service to students and staff.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or retail and knowledge of food hygiene regulations.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
This role will be based on the university campus and is fixed-term to 30/10/2026 to cover staff leave. Interviews will be held on campus on 14th November 2025.
Do you know how to go the extra mile for customers? Are you customer focused and dedicated to providing an excellent service? Do you have an understanding of the catering industry?
Providing customers with excellent service and quality fresh food is at the heart of what we strive to achieve in our Catering Services Team. You will be responsible for assisting in delivering an effective and efficient service in line with our division’s strategy and goals, assisting the smooth running of the catering service. Working in conjunction with the Team Leaders, you will assist in delivering an effective and efficient campus service to students, staff and visitors in line with the ‘Division’s’ strategy and goals. You will be responsible for ensuring that the Catering Services unit operates effectively and ensuring that customer needs and brand standards are met and are adhered to at all times.
You will ensure that customers are provided with excellent customer service. You will have experience of working within a catering or retail environment and knowledge of food hygiene regulations. You will be responsible for the catering assistants in your designated area and that the monitoring of stock, deliveries and financial procedures are in place to meet all of our customer needs.
This role is 35 hours each week, on a 5 days over 7 basis. Your typical shifts will be between the hours of 7am to 8pm, but full flexibility will be required. Although you will be based at our main campus facility, you may also be required to work at any of the areas within catering services, when there is a business requirement.
Pre‑employment Health Assessment: Please see details of the University’s Pre‑employment Health Assessment within the Candidate Brief. Please note that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
What we offer in return:
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
- And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Robert Sewell, Retail Catering Operations Manager
Email: r.sewell@leeds.ac.uk
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Senior Catering Assistant (FDCAT1051) employer: University of Leeds
Contact Detail:
University of Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Catering Assistant (FDCAT1051)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media and website to see what they value. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service scenarios! Think about how you would handle different situations in a catering environment. Being able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills can really impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for your interviewers. Asking about their catering strategies or how they ensure quality service shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about the role and the team you'll be working with.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Catering Assistant (FDCAT1051)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Customer Focus: Make sure to highlight your customer service skills in your application. We want to see how you go the extra mile for customers and ensure they have a fantastic experience.
Demonstrate Your Catering Knowledge: Share any relevant experience you have in the catering industry. We’re looking for candidates who understand food hygiene regulations and can contribute to our goal of providing quality fresh food.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Catering Assistant role. We love seeing how you align with our division’s strategy and goals.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Catering Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the catering industry. Understand food hygiene regulations and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied this knowledge in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a good fit for the role, but that you genuinely care about providing quality service.
✨Customer Service is Key
Prepare examples of how you've gone the extra mile for customers in past jobs. Think about specific situations where you provided excellent service or resolved issues effectively. This will demonstrate your customer-focused mindset, which is crucial for this role.
✨Flexibility is Essential
Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, be ready to discuss your availability. Highlight any previous experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or worked in different areas. This shows that you can handle the dynamic nature of the catering environment.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
This position involves working closely with Team Leaders and other catering assistants. Prepare to talk about your experience in team settings, how you contribute to a positive team atmosphere, and any leadership roles you’ve taken on. This will help convey that you’re a team player who can help ensure smooth operations.