Catering Assistant

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: Estates

JOB TITLE: Catering Assistant

SALARY & HOURS: Band 1, £22,573.00 per annum, 35 hours per week Full-time – hours to be worked on a rota basis, including evenings and weekends as required

The University of Buckingham offers a unique atmosphere, unlike any other higher education institution. As the UK’s smallest university and the only independent one with a Royal Charter, we bring together a diverse and vibrant community of staff and students from over 60 countries. Our size allows us to provide a highly personalised, supportive, and collaborative environment with significant opportunities for professional development. We take great pride in the inclusive culture we foster here.

The Estates Department is looking for an enthusiastic and customer-focused Catering Assistant to join our in-house Catering Services team. Working under the direction of the Assistant Hospitality Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the daily operation of our catering outlets and events, helping to deliver high-quality food and service for students, staff, and visitors. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing catering offer that supports student experience, wellbeing, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide excellent customer service to students, staff and visitors, ensuring a welcoming and professional dining experience
• Serve food and beverages efficiently, maintaining high presentation and service standards
• Assist in setting up, serving, and clearing for catering events, themed food nights, workshops and special functions
• Support the kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth and effective service delivery
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and health & safety in all service and kitchen areas
• Handle special dietary requirements and provide menu guidance to customers
• Report stock shortages or service issues promptly to the Assistant Hospitality Manager
• Occasionally support beverage services when required
• Contribute to student-focused culinary experiences and interactive catering initiatives
• Promote a positive and collaborative working environment within the team

About You:
We are seeking a motivated and reliable individual with:
• Previous experience in catering, hospitality or customer service (desirable but not essential)
• A strong customer-focused approach and friendly, approachable manner
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn, food safety and hygiene practices
• Food Hygiene Level 2 (or willingness to undertake training)
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• A flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends
• A positive attitude and enthusiasm for food service and student engagement

What We Offer:
Although we are a smaller institution, we offer a range of benefits including:
• Beautiful working environments across our Buckingham campuses
• 30 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• On-site gym
• On-site catering facilities
• University bookshop with staff discount (Buckingham)
• Free on-site parking
• Discounted courses for staff and their families

Informal enquiries may be made .

Closing date: 20/02/2026

Interviews: To be confirmed

Please note: suitable candidates may be contacted, interviewed, and appointed prior to the closing date.

Any offer of employment is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including eligibility to work in the UK on a permanent basis and DBS clearance (if applicable).

For further information and to apply, please visit: http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/about/hr/