Job Description – Customer Service Assistant
Department: Catering Services
Location: Christ's Hospital School, West Sussex
Reports to: Food Service Supervisor / Duty Manager
Job Purpose
As a Customer Service Assistant, you are the face of our catering operation. Your role is to provide an outstanding dining experience for every student, member of staff and visitor by delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining high presentation standards and supporting the smooth operation of our busy dining facilities.
We are looking for enthusiastic, energetic individuals who genuinely enjoy working with people, take pride in their work and are committed to creating a welcoming environment where great food is matched by excellent service.
Key Responsibilities Customer Service
- Deliver a warm, friendly and professional welcome to every customer.
- Serve food with enthusiasm, confidence and a positive attitude.
- Engage positively with students, staff and visitors, creating an enjoyable dining experience.
- Demonstrate excellent product knowledge, including menu items, ingredients and allergens.
- Respond to customer requests professionally and escalate concerns when appropriate.
- Represent the catering department in a professional manner at all times.
Food Service
- Prepare service areas ready for meal periods.
- Ensure food counters remain fully stocked, clean and attractively presented throughout service.
- Follow portion control guidelines whilst ensuring customers receive excellent value and service.
- Assist with breakfast, lunch, supper, hospitality and special events as required.
- Replenish crockery, cutlery and service items promptly during service.
Presentation Standards
- Maintain exceptional cleanliness throughout front of house areas.
- Ensure counters, displays and dining areas are presented to the highest standard.
- Help create visually appealing food displays that encourage customers to enjoy our offer.
- Ensure condiment stations, beverage areas and self-service points remain clean, tidy and fully stocked.
Teamwork
- Work collaboratively with chefs, supervisors and colleagues to deliver excellent service.
- Support colleagues during busy periods and be flexible in undertaking different tasks.
- Contribute positively to a culture of teamwork, respect and continuous improvement.
- Attend training sessions and team briefings as required.
Food Safety & Health & Safety
- Follow all Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety procedures.
- Maintain excellent personal hygiene and appearance.
- Report hazards, spillages or faulty equipment immediately.
- Ensure safe working practices are followed at all times.
- Complete all mandatory company training within required timescales.
Cleaning Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness of dining rooms, service counters, wash-up areas and customer-facing spaces.
- Clean equipment and utensils in accordance with cleaning schedules.
- Dispose of waste correctly and support the department's sustainability initiatives.
- Help reduce food waste through careful handling and following company procedures.
Personal Standards
You will:
- Be enthusiastic, approachable and passionate about customer service.
- Take pride in your appearance and the appearance of your work area.
- Be punctual, reliable and dependable.
- Communicate positively with colleagues and customers.
- Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support the wider team.
- Show initiative and a willingness to learn.
- Uphold the values and reputation of Christ's Hospital and Lodestone House.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A positive, can-do attitude.
- Passion for delivering outstanding customer service.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong team player.
- High standards of personal presentation.
- Basic understanding of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety (training provided where required).
Desirable
- Previous experience in hospitality, catering or retail.
- Food Safety Level 2 qualification.
- Experience serving large numbers of customers.
- Experience working within education or contract catering.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Customer Service Assistant will:
- Create a welcoming atmosphere for every customer.
- Consistently deliver friendly and engaging service.
- Maintain immaculate service areas.
- Work efficiently as part of the team.
- Take ownership of their responsibilities.
- Demonstrate pride in both the food we serve and the experience we provide.
- Help make Christ's Hospital one of the best school dining experiences in the country.
Pay: £12.71-£13.76 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
