General Catering Assistant
Part time | Term time only | Permanent
Salary: £10,933.46 - £15,034 per annum, pro rata, including holiday uplift) £24,520 FTE
We are currently looking for two General Assistants to join our Catering team on a part-time, term-time-only basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive, professional environment with excellent benefits and strong work-life balance.
You will be employed through Southern Educational Professional Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Bournemouth & Poole College.
About the Role
As a General Assistant, you will provide essential catering support across our cafeteria services. Your role will involve food preparation, cooking, serving, and ensuring high standards of cleanliness, safety, and customer service.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing dining and service areas for daily service
- Assisting with food preparation, cooking, and service
- Receiving, checking, storing, and rotating stock
- Monitoring food safety standards, including temperature records
- Supporting hospitality catering and transportation as required
- Cleaning catering areas and vending machines to regulated standards
- Processing sales accurately and delivering excellent customer service
- Reporting equipment or premises issues to the Unit Supervisor
- Attending mandatory training sessions
- Covering other catering locations when required ( e.g. our campuses at Bournemouth or Tower Park)
About You
You’ll be reliable, customer-focused, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
Ideally, you will have:
- Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (GCSE or equivalent)
- A food hygiene certificate or NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation & Cooking (or equivalent experience)
- Experience with food preparation and cooking (domestic or commercial)
- Strong customer care skills
- Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and food intolerance issues
- Good communication skills and a positive attitude
- An affinity for working with young adults
- The ability to work under pressure and adapt to change
Why Join Us?
We offer an excellent benefits package, including:
- 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to 30.5 days after 5 years’ service)
- Up to 4 additional days’ leave during the Winter closure period
- Access to discount schemes at multiple retailers
- NEST Pension Scheme enrolment
- A welcoming, diverse, and inclusive workplace where your contribution truly matters
Working at Bournemouth and Poole College
More than just a job.
At Bournemouth & Poole College, we are passionate about turning potential into professionals. We are the largest college in the area and a vital engine for the local economy, educating over 9,000 learners and partnering with over 1,000 employers to bridge the gap between local talent and real futures.
A proud culture.
We know that if we want our students to succeed, we have to start by looking after our people. We work hard to create an environment where you feel trusted and valued rather than just employed. In our 2025 inspection, Ofsted observed:
"They have developed an inclusive culture where staff feel empowered to make a positive difference to students and apprentices. Leaders and managers have improved staff morale; staff are proud to work at the college."
A place to grow and belong.
We are committed to a workplace that is genuinely inclusive, where everyone is inspired to contribute and succeed. You will find a vibrant, rewarding environment that celebrate ambition and success in equal measures. To get a better feel for life at the College and explore our full range of benefits, visit our Work With Us page.
Armed Forces Covenant
As proud Armed Forces Covenant signatories, we value the skills and experience veterans, reservists and military families, and encourage them to consider a career with us.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share in this commitment. The successful will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks which includes an enhanced DBS check as well as providing proof of the right to work in the UK.
We encourage early applications, as we may close the vacancy once we receive a sufficient number of strong applications.
