General Assistant

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. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here.

The Role and Department

General Assistants are responsible for supporting a professional, responsive, and efficient catering service for students, staff, and visitors. They ensure that food production is presented, served, and replenished to an exceptional standard and in line with standard operating procedures. The post holder will also assist with day-to-day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, and checking and signing for deliveries.

Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible working approach and undertake any or all the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift.

Successful candidates are expected to always promote a positive image of University Catering and Durham University.

The Operations Directorate: Elevating the Student and Staff Experience

The Operations Directorate is integral to the Colleges and Student Experience Division, 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. These resources create a safe environment where our students can live, work, dine, socialise, and thrive together.

Within the Operations Directorate, we have three key areas:

1. University Catering: Our robust catering team of 500 ensures fresh, exciting, and diverse dining experiences throughout our colleges, catering to the unique needs of our University Community, which includes students, staff, and visitors, and offer expert advice on bar management.

2. College Operations: With over 200 dedicated professionals, we provide residential services within the colleges as well as supporting student and non-student-led events.

3. Retail Services: Our branded retail catering and merchandise outlets offer an enticing array of menus and high-quality products thoughtfully presented to enhance the shopping experience for our students and staff whilst building positive relationships via efficient service and attentive staff.

In addition to a highly competitive salary and rewards package, our strategic focus includes ongoing development opportunities for our people.

Join us today and shape your career at Durham University!

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 will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

- 27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days.

- 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.

- Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.

- On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

- Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

- The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.

- Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which 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.

- Generous pension schemes.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.