Catering Assistant reference: R-185141

This Catering Assistant role within John Lewis shops presents a fantastic opportunity for individuals passionate about food and customer service to join a unique and employee-owned organization. If you're looking to build your career in a supportive environment with a strong emphasis on teamwork and quality, this position is definitely worth exploring.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Employee Ownership & Rewarding Culture: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll be a Partner, not just an employee. This means you'll share in the ownership and rewards of the UK's largest employee-owned business. This fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose, contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Work-Life Balance: The role offers a promising work-life balance with no split shifts or late evening work in the customer-facing restaurants. This is a significant advantage for those seeking predictable schedules and time for personal pursuits.
• On-the-Job Perks: Enjoy complimentary food in the Partner dining rooms on your working days. Additionally, for those working between 22:00 and 06:00 (from October 5th and enrolled in Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements), there's a Night Premium of £3.50 per hour, offering enhanced compensation for specific shifts.
• Structured Career Path: While this is a Level 10 Partnership role, the John Lewis Partnership is committed to personal and collective growth. The emphasis on learning procedures, adhering to health and safety, and taking initiative provides a solid foundation for developing skills and progressing within the catering or broader retail environment.
• Brand Prestige: Joining John Lewis means representing a highly respected and trusted brand. This can add significant value to your resume and provide a sense of pride in your work.
• Focus on Quality and Presentation: The role emphasizes pride in food preparation and presentation standards. If you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating a great catering experience, you'll find this role fulfilling.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Pace and Demands: The role is described as fast-paced. Candidates should be prepared for physically demanding work, especially if they have prior experience in kitchen or catering environments.
• Flexibility is Key: Success in this role hinges on flexibility to work across different areas of the catering team and to use initiative to ensure operations run smoothly. Be ready to adapt and contribute where needed.
• Adherence to Standards: A strong understanding and commitment to health, safety, and food safety procedures are paramount. This role requires diligence in following guidelines to maintain the highest standards.
• Customer and Partner Focus: While the technical skills of food preparation are important, the ability to provide positive, friendly, and welcoming interactions with both customers and fellow Partners is equally crucial.
• Potential for Vetting: Be aware that some roles may be subject to pre-employment vetting, which could include DBS checks. This is standard practice for many roles involving public interaction or handling of sensitive information, and prompt completion of documentation is encouraged.
• Temporary Contract: Note that this is a temporary contract. While it offers valuable experience, consider how it fits into your longer-term career aspirations.

This Catering Assistant position offers a chance to be part of a values-driven organization with a unique ownership model. It's an excellent opportunity to hone your skills in food service, customer interaction, and operational efficiency within a supportive and reputable retail environment.