General Assistant

General Assistants are responsible for supporting a professional, responsive and efficient catering service for students, staff and visitors, ensuring that food production is presented, served, replenished to an exceptional standard and in line with standard operating procedures. The post holder will also assist with day-to-day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, checking and signing for deliveries. Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to undertake any or all the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift. Successful candidates are expected to always promote a positive image of University Catering and Durham University.

Working in the catering team requires an element of physical manual handling, which can include lifting and transporting catering equipment. There are various roles available, ranging from 32 weeks a year to year round. All contracts are any 5 days from 7, which may include some evenings and weekends. Typical working hours are between 7am and 9:30pm. You may be required to work at other locations to support business needs.

Available contracts:
- 35 hours per week, 52 weeks a year, permanent, based at University College
- 35 hours per week, 52 weeks a year, fixed term for 16 months, based at Grey College
- 35 hours per week, 32 weeks a year (Term Time Only), permanent, based at Van Mildert College
- 30 hours per week, 32 weeks a year (Term Time Only), permanent, based at Trevelyan College
- 25 hours per week, 32 weeks a year (Term Time Only), permanent, based at Trevelyan College

Typical Role Requirements:

Service Delivery:
- Provide an excellent service to students, colleagues and visitors by carrying out tasks using relevant procedures.
- Follow health and safety regulations, including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided.
- Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools from more experienced colleagues.
- Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.
- Help check and monitor stock controls.

Teamwork:
- Help and cooperate with the rest of the team.
- Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked.
- Help colleagues maintain facilities and equipment safely and securely.
- Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.

Communication/Personal:
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values.
- Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, colleagues and others.
- Any other reasonable duties.

Essential Criteria:
- Experience of basic food production and preparation
- Ability to accurately follow written and oral instructions
- Positive 'can do' attitude
- Excellent attention to detail
- Willingness to work flexibly
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Customer focussed
- Friendly, positive and courteous
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills

Desirable Criteria:
- Level 2 Basic food safety hygiene
- Valid UK Drivers Licence

Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (39 days total)
- Parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, and discounts on local bus and train
- Exclusive discounts via benefits portal
- Outstanding Ofsted-rated on-site nursery and holiday camps for children aged 5-16
- Health and wellbeing support including discounted gym membership and 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Volunteering opportunities
- Generous family friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave
- Learning and development opportunities including qualifications, IT skills, courses and apprenticeships
- Generous pension schemes