At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving food while ensuring cleanliness and hygiene standards.
- Company: Westward Care is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support for older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Must be flexible with working hours, including weekends and bank holidays.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in people's lives with a focus on quality and respect.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Job Description
Location: Headingley Hall Care Home, 5 Shire Oak Road
40 hrs per week - 5 days out of 7
Shift pattern - 6am - 2pm, 10am - 6pm or 12.00 - 8pm
Overall Objectives
- To assist in the preparation and serving of food and beverages to customers at Westward Care.
- To ensure the hygiene and cleanliness of the kitchen, dining, and bar facilities meet the required high standards.
About The Role
MAIN DUTIES:
Delivering the Vision
- To contribute to the food and beverage service at Westward Care in a professional and friendly manner.
- To contribute to a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere in the dining and bar facilities that encourages customers to enjoy their meals and socialise if they choose to do so.
- To lead by example to ensure that all customers and employees are treated with equality, dignity, and respect, and every individual feels they can challenge discrimination and harassment in employment practice and service provision.
- To contribute to an ethos of ‘right first time and on time’ for food and beverage provision and service.
Quality Management
- To demonstrate a sense of pride for the job and the organisation.
- To maintain a professional appearance in accordance with uniform standards.
- To assist in the cleanliness and general appearance of the kitchen, dining, and bar facilities whilst undertaking own duties.
- To ensure that tables and trays are presented to the agreed high standards before each service.
- To ensure that at the end of the service, tables and trays are cleared promptly and efficiently and the kitchen, dining, and bar facilities are left to the required high standard.
- To ensure health and safety of self and customers through best practice in all aspects of work and in line with Westward Care Health and Safety guidelines.
- To complete all paperwork accurately to the required standard within agreed timescales.
- To maintain a professional appearance in accordance with uniform standards.
Being Part of the Team
- To work effectively with other team members to deliver food and beverages to the customers and to contribute to the smooth operation of the kitchen, dining, and bar facilities.
- To contribute to the development of others through the sharing of skills and information to enhance the experience of the customer.
- To participate in training and development to meet mandatory requirements and identified needs.
Communication
- To adopt various methods of communication to meet customer needs and build positive relationships.
- To maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
- To participate in team meetings and individual meetings with Line Manager as required.
Customer Service
- To look for ways to improve customer service and to communicate these ideas to the Catering Manager and/or General Manager.
- To create an outstanding first impression for customers and visitors to Westward Care.
- To create an ethos that anticipates customer needs and puts the customer first.
- To assist in delighting the customer by exceeding their expectations in creative and fun ways, e.g., surprise treats, birthday meals, seeking out someone’s favourite meal.
- To ensure customers and visitors feel welcome at all times and deal with any enquiries professionally and courteously.
- To demonstrate an understanding that internal customers are to be treated with the same respect and understanding as external customers.
Profitability and Growth
- To be responsible for managing resources in own area effectively to minimise waste and deliver food and beverages to the required high standard.
- To contribute to the management of stock levels and date rotation effectively to ensure availability without excessive stock.
- To assist in managing portion size consistently and appropriately to the customer’s individual requirements.
- To communicate opportunities to be more efficient and effective in own role and as a team.
- To have excellent knowledge of Westward Care services and facilities and to promote these at every opportunity.
Additional Information
- The post holder will be expected to work when required to cover for sickness and holidays.
- You will be required to work unsocial hours, weekends, and Bank Holidays.
- The service operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and flexibility is essential to meet the needs of the service.
- This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of duties but is intended to reflect the range of duties that the post holder will perform. The job description will be regularly reviewed and may be changed in accordance with the needs of the home and organisation – in consultation with the post holder.
- Level of DBS disclosure required: Enhanced
Skills Needed
About The Company
Passionate about making a difference
Here at Westward Care, we all share the same ambition – to deliver the very best care and support. It’s our aim to make a real difference, always prioritising health and happiness in everything we do. And with our on-going training and development, we’re always learning new ways of meeting the changing needs of older people.
Company Culture
Trust
Trust is built through consistent actions, honest care, and mutual respect. Across our services, delivering care with integrity will develop meaningful connections and empower us to act with confidence, knowing we’re all accountable for each other’s well-being. Without trust, we are just providing a service. With trust, it’s a relationship that transforms lives.
Kindness
Each day we will lead with small, simple acts—a smile, a kind word, a supportive action —that make a big impact. Kindness builds trust, comfort, and belonging. It creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued, seen and cared for. We believe every interaction is an opportunity to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, filling our communities with love, warmth, and genuine care.
Respect
Respect goes beyond polite gestures. It’s about treating everyone with fairness and dignity. It’s about truly appreciating the humanity in everyone we connect with and celebrating individuality. By embracing diversity and supporting choices we will deliver compassionate care and create a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.
Teamwork
We know we are stronger when united as a team to provide exceptional care and every contribution is important, no matter how big or small. By sharing responsibilities, solving challenges, and celebrating collective achievements we will foster a sense of community where everyone has a voice and a place. This will ensure that every task is tackled with care, efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Required Criteria
- Customer Service
- Good Communication Skills
Desired Criteria
Closing Date
Monday 17th August, 2026
Contract Type
fulltime
Salary
£12.31 Hourly
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Catering Assistant in Leeds employer: Westward Care
Westward Care Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in the care sector. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to a welcoming environment for customers and visitors. Located at the Head Office, you will be part of a dedicated team that values high standards of service and compliance, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Westward Care's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to quality, respect, and integrity will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in catering or customer service roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to a positive dining experience or maintained high hygiene standards, as these are crucial for the Catering Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your ability to work in a team by discussing past experiences where collaboration was key. Emphasising your teamwork skills will show that you can contribute to the smooth operation of the kitchen and dining facilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenging situations, such as difficult customers or unexpected issues during service. This will illustrate your problem-solving skills and your commitment to excellent customer service, which is vital for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read through the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Catering Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for customer service and teamwork, as these are crucial for this role. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and maintain high standards of hygiene.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any previous roles in catering, hospitality, or customer service. Emphasise your ability to work in a team, manage resources effectively, and deliver excellent service, as these are key aspects of the job at Westward Care.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important traits for a Catering Assistant.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westward Care
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for providing excellent customer service. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to ensure customers feel valued and respected, as this aligns with Westward Care's commitment to quality service.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Highlight your ability to work effectively in a team. Discuss past experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to achieve a common goal, as teamwork is essential in a catering environment.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Cleanliness
Since maintaining high hygiene standards is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety practices. Mention any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to cleanliness in food preparation and service.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
Given the nature of the job, flexibility is key. Be ready to talk about your willingness to work unsocial hours, weekends, and holidays. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles.
