Associate Catering Assistant

Role: Associate - Catering Assistant

Location: Bedford College - Cauldwell Street Campus

Salary/Benefits: Salary is £12.21 per hour

Hours/Weeks: Dependent on need of department - various hours

Contract Type: Sessional - Hourly Paid

This is a UK based contract
, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK
. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

We are currently seeking an Associate Catering Assistant to join our Catering and Hospitality department at The Bedford College Group.

As an Associate Catering Assistant, you play an important role in the success of our students through:

• Food Preparation & Service – Prepare basic food items, support cooking activities, set up and serve from counters, operate coffee machines and ovens, assist with special functions, and maintain high standards of food presentation and customer interaction.
• Cleaning, Hygiene & Safety – Carry out routine and deep cleaning of kitchen, equipment, dining areas and utensils; follow cleaning rotas; adhere to COSHH, HACCP and Health & Safety procedures; report issues promptly; and help maintain a safe, hygienic working environment.
• Customer Service & Sales – Provide a professional, welcoming service, handle customer queries courteously, minimise complaints, support promotions and theme days, identify sales opportunities, and help uphold the organisation's strong reputation.
• Stock, Equipment & Finance – Assist with stock checks, deliveries and storage; ensure tools and equipment are secure and serviceable; minimise dirty tray buildup; and follow financial processes including cash handling and reporting in line with college procedures.
• Teamwork, Conduct & Compliance – Maintain high personal hygiene and punctuality, support colleagues during absences, attend training, participate in college-wide events, uphold safeguarding, EDI and H&S responsibilities, and work professionally across all TBCG campuses.

• Food Safety & Catering Knowledge – Level 2 Food Hygiene, allergen training, understanding of kitchen cleanliness standards, food preparation skills, and knowledge of Health & Safety in a catering environment.
• Customer Service & Front-of-House Skills – Experience in customer care, using catering tills/FOH systems, collecting payments via cash register and PDQ machine, and confidently multitasking in a fast‑paced environment.
• IT & Administrative Ability – Competent with Word, Excel and Outlook, able to follow instructions accurately, record information, and support efficient day‑to‑day operations.
• Teamwork, Initiative & Flexibility – Strong team player with drive, enthusiasm, willingness to update skills, ability to adjust working hours, work at various sites and perform regular lifting tasks.
• Transport & Practical Requirements – Access to own transport for travel to events and multiple locations, plus ability to meet physical demands such as frequent lifting of catering provisions.

Associates work on a short‑term basis as assigned. They teach or provide support services, and they work with and are supported by core staff. As an Associate you will be issued with an Associate Agreement, and under this Agreement period you will be eligible to work on assignments offered to you.

For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.

Interviews to be held: 23 March 2026

Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:

• Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising…