Catering Assistant

**Job description**

**Job Title**:Catering Assistant

**Location**:Tynemouth

**Contract Type**:Permanent / Variable Hours Contract/ Full Availability

**Salary**:NMW/NLW

Are you looking for some fin’ different?

Are you the type of person who thinks outside the tank?

If so, then we might have a great oppor-tuna-ty for you

We are looking for a Catering Assistant to join our team at Tynemouth Aquarium

Join the team at our award winning Tynemouth aquarium, located on the North East coast is home to an array of animals in over 40 naturally themed exhibits from around the world from the British coast, the Mediterranean, coral reef and the tropical rainforest.

To have an enthusiastic attitude and to deliver a high standard of customer service, ensuring all our visitors have a memorable visit and want to return. To work alongside the Catering Team to ensure the smooth running of the department whilst maintaining the safety of the Tynemouth Aquarium Team and Visitors to the aquarium.

**Duties/ Responsibilities**

**Customer Service**
- To be approachable, engaging and polite when dealing with visitors and ensuring high standards of customer service are delivered at all times.
- To be able to action any customer queries, feedback or complaints confidently and direct to the Catering & Hospitality Manager wherever necessary.

**Operational**
- To be able to work alongside the Catering Supervisor/Manager and follow opening duties to ensure the department is ready for opening.
- To be confident in serving customers, to understand the front of house service including serving Barista style hot and cold drinks, ice cream etc.
- To be competent in the use of catering equipment e.g. coffee machine. and ensure that safe practices are carried out whilst using the equipment.
- To present food and drink to the highest of standards and as trained by the Catering Supervisor/Manager.
- Work as part of a team, preparing food to a high standard and ensuring visitors are served their meals quickly and efficiently.
- With the help of the team keep the department including the restaurant clean and tidy at all times, ensure tables are cleared quickly and the area is ready to welcome the next customer.
- To be able to offer promotions and ‘sell up’ on products wherever possible.
- To ensure when stocking up the counter space, fridges etc. that stock rotation is followed and the stock with the shortest life is used first.
- To be able to use the computerised tills and handle cash confidently.
- To be able alongside the Catering Supervisor/Catering Manager to follow all closing down procedures at the end of the day.

**General**
- To ensure any training or associated courses are completed at the request of the management team. This will include company Food Hygiene Training and Allergen Training.
- To be responsible for wearing the correct uniform including hats and aprons and have a high standard of personal presentation.
- To work to the rota assigned which will include school holidays, weekends and bank holidays and to make reasonable notice in the event of illness etc.
- To partake in themed events throughout the year, this may from time to time include fancy dress. These events will always be with prior notice

**About you**

Please note the following criteria are required in order to be successful in gaining this post at recruitment and to be able to effectively undertake the duties required.

**Essential**
- Previous catering/ hospitality experience
- Excellent customer service
- Excellent communication skills
- Smiley, friendly personality
- Adaptable and versatile
- Self motivated
- Attention to detail and standards driven

**Desirable**
- Good product presentation/merchandising
- Functions/Parties/Events experience
- Queue Management
- Till operation/cash management
- Working to sales targets
- Stock control/management
- Previous experience in a visitor attraction role
- Basic hygiene certificate
- First Aid training
- Any relevant Health and safety certification such as IOSH, Fire Warden, Working at height etc

**So whats in it for youwhy work for us?**
- Full uniform provided
- Sociable working hours
- Company pension scheme
- 25% discount in our retail and catering outlets
- Entry into the Aquarium for your family and friends
- Entry to all Aspro Park across Europe - including 10 incredible sites in the UK
- Entry into other local animal attractions/ zoos
- Work with a great team of people in an amazing and unique work environment

**Equal Opportunities**

As a business we are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community of employees where we can all be ourselves in an accepting environment.

Aspro UK are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

**Salary**: Up to £9.50 per hour

**Job