Cafe Assistant (Job Number: 26001044)
Operations Directorate
Grade 1: - £24,479 (pro rata)
Open-Ended/Permanent - Annualised Hours (Part Time)
Contracted Hours per Week: 30
Closing Date: 31-Aug-2026, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
The University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
The Department
The Operations Directorate is dedicated to providing a world-class experience for our diverse student and staff communities, which is essential to our students’ learning journey. Our passionate team delivers services and facilities across 15 colleges, including catering, housekeeping, reception, security, and maintenance.
All staff within the Operations Directorate share the responsibility for supporting environmental and social sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation and re-use and recycling as outlined in operating procedures. These resources create a safe environment where our students can live, work, dine, socialise, and thrive together.
The Role
Café assistants work in one of our nine thriving cafes which are located across Durham University Campus.
As a Café Assistant, you will be working part of a team to provide students, colleagues, and guests with a courteous, professional, friendly, and efficient catering service. Working as part of the catering team you will ensure that Retail Outlets are set up to an exceptional standard and remain clean, tidy and a safe working environment. Washing up is completed as part of the role, this will include the use of an automatic dishwasher, and after service, all food areas are cleared and cleaned. Working in a catering environment requires an element of physical manual handling which can include lifting and transporting food and catering equipment, including heavy plates and cutlery.
We will require you to be punctual, flexible, and willing to work variable shift patterns, including evenings and weekends.
Specific Role Information
We have two positions available:
-
30 hours per week x 52 weeks a year, working any 5 days from 7 including weekends. The role is based at Maiden Castle Cafe & Clubroom, but you may be required to work in any location to meet business needs.
30 hours per week x 27 weeks per year, working any 5 days from 7 including weekends. The role is based at Small Island Cafe in Bill Bryson Library, but you may be required to work in any location to meet business needs.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
- Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply
To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:
1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
3. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
4. Experience of working in a team.
5. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.
How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and you will be invited to attend our Open Day on Wednesday 2 September 2026. Please contact us if you do not receive this.
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
Who to contact for more information
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, the Operations Directorate Recruitment Team will be happy to speak to you: [email protected]
Typical Role Requirements
Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.
Service Delivery
- Provide an excellent service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).
- Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided and being aware of any hazards.
- Learn how to use everyday equipment and 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 your 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 your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
- Any other reasonable duties.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.
