Catering Assistant reference: R-184943

## Review: Catering Assistant Opportunity at John Lewis Partnership This role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals with a passion for food and customer service to join the esteemed John Lewis Partnership. As a Catering Assistant, you'll be an integral part of the team, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable catering experience for both customers in the restaurants and employees in the partner dining rooms. ### Advantages for Aspiring Candidates: * Be part of a Unique Employee-Owned Business: The John Lewis Partnership stands out as the UK's largest employee-owned business. This ownership model means you're not just an employee, but a Partner, sharing in the responsibilities, rewards, and successes of the company. This fosters a strong sense of belonging and collective contribution. * Focus on Work-Life Balance: A significant advantage of this role is the commitment to a healthy work-life balance. You'll benefit from being based within John Lewis shops, meaning there are **no split shifts or late evening work** as standard. This allows for more predictable personal time. * Tangible Benefits: Partners enjoy **free food in our dining rooms on working days**, a practical and appreciated perk. Additionally, for those who join from October 5th and are enrolled in Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements, there's a **Night Premium of £3.50 per hour** for time worked between 22:00 - 06:00, offering increased earning potential for overnight shifts. * Career Development and Growth: While this is a foundational role, the emphasis on teamwork, initiative, and adherence to high standards in food preparation and presentation provides an excellent platform for developing valuable skills. The opportunity to work across different catering areas demonstrates a commitment to flexibility and broad experience. * Supportive Environment: The Partnership emphasizes creating an environment where everyone can "THRIVE," embracing differences and encouraging individual and collective growth. This suggests a culture that values its Partners and their well-being. * Clear Standards and Responsibility: You'll be expected to uphold the John Lewis brand by providing positive customer interactions and embodying a friendly, welcoming attitude. Adherence to health, safety, and food safety regulations are paramount, ensuring a secure and professional working environment. ### Key Considerations for Your Career Path: * Fast-Paced Environment: The description highlights that the role "can be fast-paced." Candidates should be prepared for busy periods and possess the ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure, especially those with a desire for a "physically demanding environment." * Flexibility is Key: Success in this role hinges on your ability to be "flexible to work across the whole Catering team." This means being adaptable and willing to support various tasks as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the catering service. * Passion for Food and Detail: A genuine "passion for food" and a "keen eye for detail" in food preparation, hygiene, and cleanliness are essential. This role is ideal for those who take pride in their work and strive for excellence in presentation. * Proactive Problem-Solving: The expectation to "act promptly and use your initiative to resolve any issues that arise" indicates a need for proactive individuals who can think on their feet and contribute to solutions. * Understanding of Work Hours: While the absence of split shifts and late evenings is a significant advantage, it's important to note that the "Hours of Work: Various hours of full time and part time work across seven days to include early starts, evenings and weekends" can still encompass a range of shifts. Candidates should be prepared for this flexibility in scheduling. * Pre-Employment Vetting: Be aware that some roles may require pre-employment vetting, which could include DBS checks. Prompt completion of any required vetting documents is recommended to avoid delays in the recruitment process. This Catering Assistant position at the John Lewis Partnership presents a compelling opportunity for individuals looking to contribute to a respected retail brand while benefiting from an employee-owned structure and a focus on work-life balance. If you are a team player with a strong work ethic and a dedication to quality, this role could be a valuable step in your career journey.