Catering General Assistant in Cambridge

We are currently recruiting for a Catering General Assistant to join our team at one of our conference venues in Cambridge CB3 9AL. This is a permanent position working 40 hours per week, 5 out of 7 days, on a rota basis. Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.

We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic Catering General Assistant to support both front-of-house café operations and kitchen preparation. This role is split between operating daily service in the café and assisting the kitchen team with food preparation and basic kitchen duties. The successful candidate will help maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and customer service. In addition to our daily café service, we also cater to a wide range of events, from private dinners for 10 to weddings for 120, including drinks receptions, conferences, meetings, and banquet-style feasts.

Skills And Experience

• Previous experience in catering, hospitality, or customer service is desirable but not essential, with the ability to work effectively in a similar role and environment.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable working in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, always providing friendly and professional interactions.
• Responsible for the preparation and serving of food and beverages, assisting with portioning, plating, and restocking during service.
• Competent in operating a till and handling card transactions accurately, or willing to learn quickly.
• Basic food knowledge, with an understanding of food hygiene and safety procedures (Food Safety certificate desirable).
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across all areas, including counters, displays, service areas, and dining spaces.
• Support front of house duties such as table clearing, set-up and clear-down procedures, and responding to customer queries.
• Assist kitchen staff with simple food preparation, such as sandwiches, salads, and soups, and provide extra support during busy periods.
• Strong team player with a positive, can-do attitude, willing to collaborate and contribute across different areas of the catering operation.
• Reliable, punctual, flexible, and customer-focused, with a passion for great food and attention to detail.

WILSON VALE PERKS:

• Our working hours are some of the best you'll find in catering - we are strong believers in work-life balance.
• Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities.
• Craft Works - Free craft-focused career development training programme.
• Paid training bespoke to you.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - your wellbeing is very important to us.
• Online employee benefits scheme - monetary savings on everyday items!
• Your Birthday off every year after 1 years’ service.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay.

Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams - everyone has a voice.