The role of a Customer Service Assistant (Kitchen) offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about hospitality and culinary operations. In this position, employees play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth kitchen operations, supporting chefs with food preparation, stock rotation and maintaining cleanliness standards.
What sets this opportunity apart is the provision of UK visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, making it an attractive prospect for skilled individuals seeking to work and live in the United Kingdom.
With visa sponsorship, international employees can focus on integrating into their new work environment without worrying about immigration complexities. The UK government’s initiatives to attract global talent align with this sponsorship program, helping businesses secure skilled and diverse teams. For 2025, this role not only provides an entry point into the UK job market but also serves as a stepping stone toward a rewarding career in hospitality.
Benefits Package
The role comes with an attractive set of benefits, which includes:
- Generous leave allowance.
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Enrollment in a pension scheme.
- Additional workplace benefits such as:
- Access to onsite gyms.
- Participation in the cycle-to-work scheme.
- Industry-leading policies for parental, adoption and fertility leave.
- A breathtaking work environment located in Exeter and Cornwall, amidst the scenic beauty of South West England.
Job Details
Category/Type:
The role falls under various job categories, including:
- Hospitality
- Conferencing and Events
- Retail
- Catering and Foodservice
- Bars
Posting Date:
The position was advertised on 28/11/2024.
Reference Code:
The job reference for this role is P63028.
Employer Division:
The position is housed within the Finance, Infrastructure & Commercial Services (FICS) division, under the Commercial Operations unit.
Nature of Employment:
- Permanent, full-time.
- The role will follow a term-time schedule, starting from January 2025.
Summary of the Role
This dynamic position operates across multiple sites within the Commercial Operations units of the Streatham and St Luke’s campuses. The University seeks an energetic and enthusiastic professional to join its team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Primary Focus:
- Provide support in culinary operations by:
- Assisting chefs with food preparation.
- Maintaining cleanliness, including washing dishes.
- Facilitating stock rotation.
- Occasionally assist in other commercial operational areas as required.
- Provide support in culinary operations by:
- Schedule:
- The position involves 36.5 hours of work per week spread across 5 days out of 7.
- Workdays may include evenings and weekends organized on a rotational basis.
- The role aligns with the University’s 32-week term time schedule.
Service Scope:
The Commercial Operations team provides diverse services for staff, students and external customers, including:
- Retail shops.
- Retail and residential catering.
- Licensed venues.
- Hospitality and conferencing facilities.
Desired Candidate Attributes:
The University seeks candidates who exhibit:
- A customer-centric mindset.
- The ability to function both independently and as part of a team-oriented environment.
- Passion for delivering high-quality food and beverages.
- Commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
Work Experience:
- Previous roles in:
- Catering.
- Retail.
- Front of house.
- Kitchen operations.
Technical Knowledge:
- Familiarity with food hygiene protocols.
- Awareness of health and safety standards in a busy work environment.
Personal Competencies:
- Organized approach with high performance standards.
- Strong communication skills.
- Flexibility regarding work hours and responsibilities.
Responsibilities and Expectations
- Adherence to Food Safety and Health & Safety standards to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
- Supporting customer engagement and satisfaction by ensuring excellent service delivery.
- Proactively managing responsibilities across various work locations.
For further role specifics, candidates are encouraged to refer to the Job Description and Person Specification document provided.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The University upholds a strong commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Highlights of this commitment include:
- Adjustments for Inclusivity:
- Reasonable adjustments during interviews or within the workplace to ensure accessibility for all applicants.
- Merit-Based Recruitment:
- Applicants are evaluated strictly based on qualifications and performance.
- Encouragement of Underrepresented Groups:
- Proactive inclusion of underrepresented demographics in the hiring process.
- Cultural Celebration:
- A diverse community with over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries.
- Active engagement in initiatives promoting gender, racial and LGBTQ+ equality, as well as disability inclusion.
Diversity Framework Participation:
The University participates in various inclusion frameworks, such as:
- Athena SWAN for gender equality.
- Race Equality Charter Mark for racial diversity.
- Stonewall Diversity Champion for LGBTQ+ representation.
- Recognition as a Disability Confident employer.
Armed Forces Covenant:
The University is a proud signatory, welcoming applications from members of the armed forces community.
Recruitment Process
Informal Enquiries:
Interested applicants can contact Nichola Stanbury via email at n.k.cowling@exeter.ac.uk for informal discussions regarding the position.
Interview Schedule:
Interviews are anticipated to take place on Monday, 16 December.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the working hours for this role?
The role typically involves a flexible schedule, with shifts covering days, evenings and weekends. It may require working 5 days out of 7, depending on the rota.
What qualifications or skills are required?
Candidates should ideally have experience in catering, kitchens or customer service. Familiarity with food hygiene and health and safety regulations is an advantage.
What benefits does the role offer?
The position offers generous leave allowances, access to pension schemes, flexible working options and other perks like onsite gym facilities and cycle-to-work schemes.
Is previous experience mandatory?
While prior experience in similar roles is beneficial, many employers are open to training enthusiastic individuals with a customer-focused attitude.
What type of visa is required for international candidates?
International candidates need a visa that permits legal work in the UK, such as the Skilled Worker visa, which may be sponsored by the employer.
How do I apply for this position?
Interested candidates can typically apply through the employer\’s official website or job portals, ensuring they meet the eligibility and visa requirements.
What opportunities for growth does this role offer?
This role serves as a gateway to career progression in the hospitality sector, with opportunities to advance to supervisory or managerial positions.
Are there any additional responsibilities besides kitchen duties?
Yes, the role often includes interacting with customers, ensuring a positive experience and supporting other areas of hospitality operations when needed.