Essex Food Crew Member

Please note that all applications must apply via the University of Essex vacancies webpage

https://vacancies.essex.ac.uk/tlive\_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=9918109NEm

Essex Food - Our mission Essex Food – One Team, One Vision, Culture

At Essex Food, we work as one team. We treat each other with kindness and respect, and we’re committed to empowering every team member. We listen, support, and believe in our people—giving them the confidence and autonomy to make decisions.

Our aim is to help each individual grow into the best version of themselves, which in turn delivers the best value to our customers. Together, we learn what great food service looks like—with no exceptions—and we support one another wherever we can, turning good into excellence.

We believe the team makes the dream work. The “not my job” attitude has no place here. We stand united with one vision—lifting each other through challenges and celebrating success together. We carry each other through tough times, share wins, and grow stronger as one. If you're ready for the challenge, you're ready for Essex Food.

We don’t make mistakes—we learn. Every experience is an opportunity to grow, and every challenge is a chance to improve. There’s no such thing as a stupid question. Curiosity and open

Job Overview

Join our vibrant team as an Essex Food Crew Member and become a key player in delivering exceptional dining experiences! In this energetic role, you will be at the heart of food preparation, serving customers with enthusiasm, and maintaining high standards of food safety and cleanliness. Your positive attitude and dedication will help create a welcoming environment where guests feel valued and satisfied. This paid position offers a fantastic opportunity to develop culinary skills, gain restaurant experience, and be part of a dynamic team committed to excellence.

communication are the foundations of our learning culture. We encourage questions, ideas, and feedback from everyone because that’s how we get better—together. In a world where you can be anything we start with being nice.

Essex Food – Essex food crew Member

Be the engine room of our food culture

At Essex Food, our crew members are the heart of everything we do. You are the engine room of our culture, standards, and teamwork — helping us deliver great food and welcoming service every day.

This is a fantastic opportunity if you’re looking to learn, grow, and build a career in catering, supported by positive teamwork, clear training, and strong standards.

About You

You don’t need previous catering experience — we will train and develop you. What matters most is your attitude and willingness to learn.

You’ll bring

A genuine passion for food and people

A positive, can-do attitude and strong team spirit -do attitude

Good communication skills and a willingness to ask questions and learn

An understanding that strong teams are built on respect, teamwork, and shared purpose

* Energy, reliability, and pride in doing things the right way

We will teach you how to work confidently in a high-volume catering environment, while supporting your personal and professional development.

Purpose of job: Working in one of our retail units; preparing and serving food in an efficient, enthusiastic, polite and friendly manner to our customers, adhering to all food regulations and being active in promoting the units and Essex Foods offers.

Hours: 38 hours per week, 32 weeks of the year. Including evening and weekend shifts.

Duties

1. Customer Service

Create a welcoming environment where colleagues, clients, and customers feel valued and receive excellent service.

Greet customers warmly and thank them as they leave.

Accurately take orders at the till and support customers using the app, self‑service tills, and other ordering or service points.

Resolve customer queries and concerns politely, professionally, and efficiently.

2. Food Preparation

Prepare menu items following Essex Food recipes and brand standards.

This includes, but is not limited to, supporting breakfast, lunch, and dinner services; summer school catering; high‑volume canteen service; retail deli‑style café operations; and service within sports venues, as well as delivering a range of street‑food concepts, including outdoor working when required. It also includes delivered catering and preparing and serving food for events and conference.

Operate cooking equipment such as grills and fryers safely.

Assemble and package orders quickly, accurately, and consistently.

If you are not already barista coffee trained, you will be trained and expected to serve as a barista where necessary.

3. Cleanliness & Safety

Maintain high standards of cleanliness across kitchens, dining rooms, service areas, and restrooms.

Follow all food safety, hygiene, allergen, and security procedures.

Restock supplies to support smooth and efficient service.

Complete all required food safety and health and safety paperwork accurately during your shift.

Carry out general cleaning duties, ensuring the highest levels of hygiene and safety.

Understand your responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, following safe working methods at all times.

Report any faults, maintenance issues, or health and safety concerns promptly.

4. Skills & Qualities

Friendly, positive, and customer‑focused attitude.

Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Good organisation, with the ability to multitask and prioritise.

5. Operations

Order stock through designated systems when required.

Carry out stock checks and support on stock takes.

Work closely with colleagues and managers to achieve operational and service targets.

Attend required training sessions to maintain skills and compliance.

Follow all procedures and methods as set out by the University.

To undergo rubbish runs and porters’ duties like washing up were necessary.

6. Teamwork & Culture

Contribute positively to the Essex Food – One Team, One Dream ethos.

Support your colleagues with a willing, helpful, and proactive attitude. Be kind, respectful, and empathetic to everyone.

Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Department of catering/operations manager/head chef /Director of operations (Professional Services section) or their nominee.

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake.

They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.

Terms of Appointment: For a full description of the terms of appointment for this post please visit our website: https://vacancies.essex.ac.uk/tlive\_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=9918109NEm

Pay: Up to £26,650.29 per month

Work Location: In person