At a Glance
- Tasks: Support food and beverage service, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
- Company: Join the vibrant West Dean team in a stunning cultural setting.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free access to facilities, and mental health support.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with full training provided; work in a beautiful national park.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and create memorable experiences for visitors.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a positive, reliable attitude.
Location: West Dean, Sussex (PO18 0QZ)
Contract: Casual
Hours: As and when required
Salary: £12.77 per hour, plus 12.07% holiday pay
Join the West Dean team. West Dean is a unique place to work, bringing together creativity, heritage, hospitality, and education in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Our stunning 6,350-acre estate is home to West Dean College, award-winning gardens, historic collections, events spaces, and a vibrant community of students, visitors, and guests.
We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Casual Food Services Assistants to join our Food Services team and help deliver a welcoming, high-quality experience across our cafés, dining areas, and event spaces.
About the role: As a Food Services Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the smooth running of our food and beverage services. Working across a variety of outlets, you will help create an enjoyable experience for students, visitors, and private guests by delivering friendly, professional service and maintaining high standards throughout each shift. This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You may support café service, formal dining, events, or student catering, helping with everything from preparing service areas and serving food and drinks to maintaining cleanliness and replenishing supplies. You will be part of a friendly and supportive team that takes pride in delivering excellent customer service, while championing quality, seasonal food and sustainable practices.
Key responsibilities:
- Support food and beverage service across West Dean’s cafés, dining rooms, event spaces, and other service areas
- Prepare and set up service areas, ensuring they are clean, organised, and fully stocked
- Serve food and drinks to a high standard, ensuring presentation, portioning, and temperature requirements are met
- Provide friendly and attentive customer service to students, visitors, and event guests
- Replenish stock, including beverages, consumables, and service items
- Maintain cleanliness across dining and service areas in line with food hygiene standards
- Clear tables, manage waste appropriately, and support general housekeeping duties
- Assist with stock checks, food storage, and rotation of supplies
- Clean and maintain beverage equipment and service areas
- Follow all food safety, health and safety, and workplace procedures
About you: We are looking for someone who is friendly, reliable, and enjoys working as part of a team. You will have a positive approach and take pride in helping to create a welcoming environment for everyone who visits West Dean.
Experience in a customer-facing role
Excellent customer service skills and a professional, approachable manner
A flexible and reliable approach, with the ability to work a variety of shifts including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
The ability to work effectively in a busy environment and support different service areas as required
Previous experience in food service, hospitality, or catering would be desirable, although full training will be provided. A basic Food Hygiene Certificate and Allergy Awareness training are required for the role (training can be provided).
What we offer: As part of the West Dean team, you will benefit from:
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Free use of West Dean College facilities, including the swimming pool, library, and tennis courts
- Free on-site parking
- The opportunity to work in a unique cultural and heritage setting within the South Downs National Park
Food Services Assistant (Casual) employer: West Sussex
Goodwood Home Farm is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. With flexible hours and the opportunity to work in a picturesque location along the South Coast, employees enjoy a unique blend of job satisfaction and community engagement. The company prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and provides a rewarding environment where tips are included, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Services Assistant (Casual)
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like West Sussex. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to West Sussex
Don't be shy about reaching out to West Sussex directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about West Sussex and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
