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- Tasks: Provide exceptional customer service in a busy catering environment.
- Company: Join the University of the West of Scotland, a top-ranked modern university.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, flexible working, and discounts at 3,500 retailers.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values innovation and student success.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and barista skills are desirable.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional development.
Job Description
Campus Services
Food Services Assistant x 2 posts
Part time: 18 hours per week
Permanent
THE POST – REQ000338 – Food Services Assistant
The University of West of Scotland are recruiting for a Food Services Assistant to join the Campus Services Team at our Ayr Campus.
As a Food Services Assistant your core responsibility will be to provide exceptional customer service with a friendly and professional approach within the catering service through-out the University.
The postholder will be required to organise and prioritise their own work schedule effectively on a day-to-day basis taking ownership of their own product area which can include food preparation, production and service at coffee shops, food outlets, hospitality functions and the Student Union Bar area.
Working hours can range from 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday and occasional weekend work is required during summer.
The successful candidate should have the following:
- An understanding of working in a busy customer service orientated catering environment
- Previous Barista experience is desirable.
- Ability to work on own initiative as well as effectively working as part of a team
- Friendly and approachable with strong customer focus
- Willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities
ABOUT US
The University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.
With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.
UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2023 Young University Rankings).
Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.
We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:
- 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
- An additional days leave on your birthday
- Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (currently 19.3%), including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme.
- A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
- Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
- Fitness facilities across our campuses
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional, career and research development opportunities.
Closing Date: Sunday 7th September 2025
Interview Date: week commencing Monday 22nd September 2025
Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided).
The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.
You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice.
UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.
UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.
UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.
University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520
Food Services Assistant employer: University of the West of Scotland
Contact Detail:
University of the West of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Services Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of West of Scotland's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to customer service and community engagement will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in busy catering environments, especially if you've worked in roles that required strong customer service skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you handled challenging situations or provided exceptional service.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability by preparing to discuss how you've successfully managed changing priorities in past roles. This is crucial for a position that requires working various shifts and adapting to different service areas.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have Barista experience, be sure to mention it! Even if it's not a requirement, showcasing this skill can set you apart from other candidates and show your ability to contribute to the coffee shop aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Services Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Food Services Assistant. Highlight your relevant experience in customer service and any barista skills you may have.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise your ability to work in a busy environment, your customer service skills, and any previous catering or food service experience.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the university. Mention specific examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past and your willingness to adapt to changing priorities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the West of Scotland
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Food Services Assistant, exceptional customer service is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've provided great service in previous roles, especially in busy environments. Highlight your friendly and professional approach.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The role requires a willingness to adapt to changing priorities. During the interview, discuss situations where you've successfully adjusted to new tasks or schedules, showcasing your ability to handle a dynamic work environment.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Initiative
While working independently is important, being part of a team is equally crucial. Share experiences that illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively with others, as well as instances where you've taken the initiative to improve processes or service.
✨Prepare for Barista-Related Questions
If you have barista experience, be ready to discuss it in detail. If not, research basic coffee preparation techniques and customer preferences. Showing enthusiasm for learning about this aspect can set you apart from other candidates.
