Catering Assistant

Contract Type

Permanent

Job Type

Manual

Salary Range

£25,037 pro rata per annum

Hours

Annualised Hours

School/Department

Estate Development and Campus Services

Closing date

30/10/2026

Job ref

5605

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The Catering Team within Liverpool John Moores University’s Campus Services Department is seeking applications for the position of Catering Assistant

This is an exciting opportunity to join a busy and customer-focused university catering operation, supporting the delivery of high-quality food and beverage services to students, staff and visitors across the University.

You will be employed on an annualised hours contract of 1,230 hours per annum, equivalent to 0.80709 FTE, with working hours scheduled between 7.00am and 8.00pm, depending on the operational requirements of the catering outlet.

You will be based within one of the University’s retail catering outlets and will play an important role in ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of the service. Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and serving Barista-style coffees and other hot and cold beverages to a high standard.
• Providing a friendly, professional and welcoming service to students, staff and visitors.
• Operating cashless and cash payment systems, handling transactions accurately and maintaining appropriate financial controls.
• Undertaking basic food preparation and presentation in accordance with agreed recipes and operational standards.
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and personal hygiene at all times.
• Ensuring food is prepared, stored and served in accordance with food safety, allergen and University procedures.
• Maintaining clean, tidy and well-presented service areas throughout the trading period.
• Replenishing food, beverage and retail products and ensuring displays are maintained to the required standard.
• Supporting stock rotation, waste management and general housekeeping duties.
• Working flexibly as part of the wider catering team to respond to changing operational requirements and busy trading periods.
• Complying with relevant University policies, procedures, health and safety requirements and any applicable brand standards.

You will ideally have previous experience of working within a catering, hospitality, retail or customer-facing environment, with experience of working within a branded food or beverage operation being particularly desirable. Barista experience would also be advantageous, although appropriate training will be provided.

You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage positively with a diverse range of customers. You will be able to work effectively as part of a team while also demonstrating initiative and the ability to work independently when required.

Most importantly, you will have a genuine passion for delivering excellent customer service, take pride in your work and be committed to maintaining high standards across all aspects of the catering operation.

This role would suit an enthusiastic, reliable, and customer-focused individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and wants to contribute to the experience of students, staff and visitors at Liverpool John Moores University.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

LJMU values diversity and provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.