Delivered Catering Driver - Catering Assistant TD)

## Opportunity Review: Delivered Catering Assistant at the University of Southampton This review aims to provide potential candidates with an in-depth understanding of the Delivered Catering Assistant role at the University of Southampton's Campus Kitchen. We will highlight the advantages and key considerations to help you assess if this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations. The University of Southampton's Campus Kitchen is a dynamic in-house catering service committed to delivering a five-star food experience across all campuses. They cater to a diverse range of needs, from catered halls and retail outlets to a comprehensive delivered catering service for all hospitality events. If you are passionate about customer service and eager to contribute to a vibrant university environment, this role could be an excellent stepping stone in your career. ### Advantages for Candidates: This position offers several attractive benefits for individuals looking to grow within the hospitality and catering sector: * **Diverse Responsibilities:** The role is far from monotonous. You will be involved in a variety of tasks, including: * Preparing delivered catering boxes with meticulous attention to detail. * Assisting with basic food preparation, offering a hands-on culinary experience. * Making deliveries and collections using company vehicles (both electric and diesel), providing autonomy and practical driving experience. * Undertaking essential cleaning duties, contributing to a high standard of hygiene. * Operating basic kitchen and plate-washing equipment, enhancing your operational skills. * Supporting the setup, service, and clear-down of conference and hospitality events, providing exposure to event management. * **Valuable Customer Service Experience:** The core of this role revolves around delivering high levels of customer service. You will be interacting directly with staff, students, and visitors, honing your interpersonal skills and ability to anticipate and meet customer needs. * **Structured Work Schedule with Flexibility:** While predominantly Monday to Friday, the requirement for flexibility, including some evenings and weekends as part of a 5-day-out-of-7 rota, prepares you for the realities of the hospitality industry and can lead to a more varied work week. * **Attractive Employee Benefits:** The University of Southampton is known for its comprehensive benefits package, which includes: * **Generous Annual Leave:** A good starting point for your leave entitlement, supplemented by university closure days and public holidays, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. * **University Closure Days:** Significant time off during key periods like Easter and Christmas, a highly sought-after benefit. * **Competitive Salary:** A permanent position with a competitive annual salary of £23,984. * **Pension Scheme Membership:** Opportunity to contribute to your long-term financial security. * **Excellent Family Leave Arrangements:** Support for maternity, paternity, adoption, and parental leave, demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being. * **Career Development Potential:** This role provides a solid foundation in catering operations and customer service. Experience gained here can open doors to further opportunities within the University's extensive catering network or the broader hospitality industry. ### Key Considerations for Candidates: To ensure a successful application and a fulfilling experience in this role, consider the following: * **Work Ethic and Proactiveness:** The description emphasizes the need for a highly motivated, friendly, and proactive individual. Demonstrating initiative and a genuine desire to contribute will be crucial. * **Customer Focus:** A strong emphasis is placed on prioritizing the customer experience. If you thrive on making others happy and ensuring smooth service, this role will be a great fit. * **Flexibility in Working Hours:** Be prepared for a rota that may include evenings and weekends. Understanding and embracing this flexibility is key to succeeding in this role. * **Driving Experience and Competency:** The role involves driving company vehicles. Having a good driving record and comfort with delivery driving will be a significant advantage. * **Food and Beverage Knowledge:** While not strictly essential, a good knowledge of food and beverage would be beneficial. If you have a passion for food, this is an opportunity to expand your understanding. * **Physical Demands:** Be aware that the role involves some physical activity, including lifting, carrying, and standing for periods. **In conclusion,** the Delivered Catering Assistant position at the University of Southampton's Campus Kitchen presents a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking to build a career in a supportive and well-resourced environment. The combination of diverse responsibilities, valuable customer service experience, excellent benefits, and a commitment to employee well-being makes this role an attractive prospect for motivated individuals. By understanding the advantages and key considerations, candidates can confidently assess their fit and take the next step in their professional journey.