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- Tasks: Deliver food and beverages across campus while providing top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton's in-house catering service, Campus Kitchen.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community enhancing experiences for students and staff.
- Qualifications: Experience in delivery driving and customer service is preferred.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
The University is seeking an experienced Hospitality Driver / Catering Assistant. The Campus Kitchen is the University of Southampton's in-house catering service. We facilitate a multitude of services across the University to include the provision of food in catered halls, retail catering outlets across all campuses and a delivered catering service for all hospitality requirements. Our aim is to deliver a five-star food service, catering for a wide range of needs and requirements and enhancing the experience for staff, students and visitors on campus.
The role
You will be delivering high levels of customer service through the delivery and service of food and beverage across campus. Daily duties will involve:
- Preparation of delivered catering boxes to include equipment, hot/cold drinks and food
- Assisting with basic food preparation
- Making deliveries and collections in a company vehicle (electric and diesel vans)
- Cleaning duties
- Operation of basic kitchen and plate-washing equipment
- Assisting with the set-up, service and clear down of conference and hospitality events as appropriate
The working hours are on a full-time basis predominantly Monday to Friday. You will need to be flexible in terms of working hours which will include some evenings and weekends as part of the regular working week, rota patterns are on a 5 days out of 7 basis. Additional working benefits include time off over the Easter and Christmas period due to University Closure days, bank holidays and a 36 hour working week.
Please note, upon appointment the job title will be Delivered Catering Assistant.
About You
You will be a highly motivated, friendly and proactive individual who takes pride in their work and prioritises the customer experience above everything else. Ideally you will have some experience both in delivery driving and a customer facing role. A good knowledge of food and beverage would be advantageous.
What We Can Offer You
Working at the University of Southampton gives you access to a wide range of benefits in addition to our competitive rates of pay. Our core benefits include pension scheme membership; a generous annual leave allowance (supplemented by University closure days and public holidays) and excellent family leave arrangements (including maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave).
As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. We welcome applications from candidates who are committed to helping us create an inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQ+; and people with disabilities. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, the Global South and other underrepresented groups.
Hospitality Driver / Catering Assistant employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality Driver / Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Southampton's catering services. Understanding their offerings and values will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role during any interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills in conversations or interviews. Since this role prioritises customer experience, sharing specific examples of how you've excelled in similar situations can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. The role requires some evenings and weekends, so showing that you're adaptable can make a positive impression.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience with food and beverage, be ready to talk about it! Sharing your knowledge can demonstrate your suitability for the role and your commitment to delivering high-quality service.
We think you need these skills to ace Hospitality Driver / Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Hospitality Driver / Catering Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in customer service and delivery driving.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles that involved food service, delivery driving, or customer interaction. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have excelled in these areas.
Showcase Your Skills: Mention any skills that are particularly relevant to the role, such as knowledge of food and beverage, ability to work flexible hours, and experience with basic kitchen equipment. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is well-suited for the position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the University of Southampton. Make sure to convey your commitment to providing excellent customer service and your motivation to contribute to the campus community.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Hospitality Driver / Catering Assistant, customer service is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent service in previous roles. Highlight your ability to handle difficult situations with a smile and ensure customer satisfaction.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The role requires flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends. During the interview, express your willingness to adapt to varying schedules and discuss any past experiences where you successfully managed changing work demands.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience in delivery driving or food service, make sure to mention it. Discuss specific tasks you've performed that relate to the job description, such as food preparation, delivery logistics, or event setup.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Working in a catering environment often involves collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team, communicated clearly, and contributed to a positive work atmosphere. This will show that you can thrive in the university's inclusive culture.