The successful applicant will be expected to use their experience, knowledge and skills to organise, deliver and serve - with a hands-on approach - Food, Drinks, Wine, Bar and Cellar services across all College premises as and when necessary. Taking responsibility for the provision of high-level quality food and beverages service to members of the College, their guests and to conference delegates. They will also support and provide cover for the Bar Supervisor.
There are four main elements of the post including some essential administrative tasks, some Front of House duties, working behind the College Bar when required, and helping to keep our Wine Cellars are kept in good order at all times. See the Job Description for full details.
Front of House:
- Provide support and assistance in the supervision of the Food Services Team across College to ensure the maintenance of high professional and personal standards whilst on duty, positively contributing to the professional running of the team
- Take responsibility for shifts and lead the Food Services team, giving clear instructions when you are the most senior or nominated supervisor on duty, ensuring that meal periods and events run smoothly
- Supervise and lead private dinners and functions with a hands on approach
- Assist in maintaining and improving the standard of food and beverage services
- Set up and serve drinks for receptions and conference events, ensuring the timely delivery of drinks to the specified College venue
- Maintain positive relationships with all our users and actively seek feedback. Share any ideas, comments, suggestions with the Deputy or Head of Food and Beverage Service. Direct any concerns raised to the Deputy or Head for them to deal with.
- Take a collaborative approach, working with all colleagues to facilitate good and constructive communication across the Kitchen and Food Services Teams
College Bar:
- Working closely with the Bar Supervisor, take responsibility for the day-to-day running of, and the delivery of, SCR and College wines from the Wine and Port Cellars for use at dinners and receptions
- Receive and store wine and other deliveries to the Cellar as required, and sort and remove from the Cellar wines and other beverages for use by the Front of House team
- Liaise with the Catering Administrator to ensure all stock items are allocated bin numbers and thus can easily be located in the Wine and Port Cellars
- Report to FOH on the usage of wines at College dinners and events
- Any other appropriate tasks as requested by the Head of Food and Beverage Services or a Senior College Officer
Administration:
- Provide support to the Head of Food and Beverage Services and the Assistant Head of Food and Beverage Services in planning well in advance for forthcoming large and important events held by the College
- Ensure that appropriate menu and diet information is made available and visible for diners and staff
- Prepare service plans for regular formal dinners in term including SCR Guest Nights and diet plans where possible to assist with the smooth running of food service. Brief staff ahead of dinner service to ensure they understand how they are expected to support during service
- Prepare menu allergen cards for the Servery and the attendees’ lists for the Hall in the absence of the Catering Administrator
- Maintain and update appropriate records of Fellows dining and wine consumed when required
- Use the College computing systems, the Kinetic database, to provide and acquire information regarding College events and the meal booking system for SCR and Hall, the EPOS system for Hall pricing and charging
- Assist the Catering Management Team to maintain appropriate Health and Safety and Food Hygiene standards across the Catering Function within College. Ensuring that the Food Service team are aware of all appropriate Health and Safety regulations, including COSHH, and comply with these.
Essential criteria: key skills, knowledge, and experience essential to performing the role:
- Supervisory experience
- Knowledge of current licensing laws
- Experience of managing food and bar service, ideally from within a high-quality driven environment
- Good knowledge and understanding of the way in which food and drinks service works and the interrelationship between food service and the kitchen
- Excellent customer service skills
- Desire to encourage standards of excellence throughout the department
- Excellent communication skills, equally able to communicate to a range of audiences
- Knowledge of stock management and bar pricing
- Computer literate with a good knowledge of MS Office
- Knowledge of Food Hygiene controls
- Understanding of Allergen/Food Intolerances
Desirable criteria: additional skills, knowledge, and experience that would be beneficial:
- Personal Licence Holder or qualified APHL Personal Licence Holder Level 2 or equivalent
- Qualification in Food Safety for Catering – Level 2
- Allergen Awareness Certificate
- Knowledge of Wines and Spirits
Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work and the receipt of satisfactory references.
As well as becoming a valued member of our friendly community, and working in beautiful historic surroundings, we also offer the following benefits:
- Meals - A free meal is available when on duty and the kitchen is open.
- Holiday - A generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days per year (pro rata for part time posts), which includes all Bank and Public holidays.
- Pension - On joining the College you will be automatically enrolled into either the Oxford Staff Pension Scheme (“OSPS”) or University Superannuation Scheme, (“USS”) as applicable.
- Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 access for you and your spouse/partner to a broad spectrum of services, including Health Management, Online and Face-to-Face Counselling, and Debt Management. Practical information and advice can also be accessed on all common topics, such as Consumer, Legal, Finance, Housing, Benefits, Family.
- Bus Ticket Loan - You may, on the completion of your probation period, be entitled to receive an interest-free loan to enable you to purchase an annual season ticket for travel by bus, with a discount of 5% on the overall cost.
- Personal Development - Staff are encouraged to develop both professionally and personally and the College supports employees to develop their skills and improve their performance throughout their time with the College.
- Family-friendly policies - The College has a range of family-friendly policies in place, including parental and family leave, and flexible working.
- Childcare Services - Open to University and College Staff and Students, the University owns a number of nurseries and has places at a number of Community nurseries which employees can apply for.
- Oxford University Discounts - College staff will receive a University card which provides the following discounts:
- Free entry to Oxford Colleges and libraries
- 10% discount in some University shops.
- Free access to the University Botanical Gardens and Harcourt Arboretum.
- Discounted computer software from the University Computing Service.
- Access to Sports Facilities and Punt Hire - Staff may use the College’s sports facilities and sign up for punt hire during the summer period for a small fee. Staff can also sign up for free to the University Club and use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates.
- Library - College staff have access to the Meyricke Library, open 24 hours a day.
- Eye Test/Glasses Reimbursement - a free eye test and a glasses contribution are offered for staff that are regularly display screen equipment (DSE) users and who have been advised they need glasses for DSE use.
- Flu Vaccinations - a yearly flu vaccination scheme where staff not otherwise eligible to receive a free vaccination can obtain one at the cost of the College.
- Staff Entertainment - The College arranges social events including coffee mornings, quiz nights, staff summer and Christmas party as well as a children’s Christmas party.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to earnings criteria) via Tusker.
- Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme – also recently launched provided by Green Commute initiative.
- Secure Bike Parking - bikes can be locked away securely on site.
- On site Gym.
- Multifaith Room – available for staff and students.
- Discounted Guest Rooms - Staff may book a guest room at Jesus College at a discounted rate, subject to availability and terms and conditions.
Jesus College combines academic excellence in teaching and research with an informal, vibrant, and supportive community. We currently have 400 undergraduates, 300 graduates, 110 Fellows, 50 lecturers and 90 support staff . Over 5,300 Alumni are in touch with the College, spread across 84 countries. Over 800 of our Old Members came back to College in the last twelve months and we hope that that number will continue to rise.