Purpose of Post
The Catering Assistants will be working in the Café and Bar within the theatre. The Café can be open up to 7 days a week, depending on performances, and will include service for the incoming theatre audiences as well as the general public.
The post holder will be responsible for providing a consistently high level of customer service and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and presentation at all times.
Key responsibilities
Daily operation of the catering functions in line with procedures, ensuring a high standard of presentation.
Act as a barista (making espresso-based coffee drinks) and serve a selection of hot and cold drinks.
Prepare and deliver a menu of light meals including soup, toasties and sandwiches following food health and safety regulations. This will also include baking some traybakes, cakes and scones (training can be provided).
Promote and upsell of all products, including food, ice cream, confectionary, and beverages with a high standard of product knowledge.
Support the catering operation during functions, events, and press nights.
Handle cash and complete transaction processes including the use of a till system and the use of card machines.
Follow and adhere to all operational procedures, including keeping temperature records for refrigerators, stock rotation, food dating and labelling.
Minimise wastage on site by preparing efficiently, in line with the buildings estimated footfall.
Have basic understanding of allergens and to be able to provide customers with information they require.
Provide a positive, accessible, and high-quality service to all customers and colleagues across front of house areas and all buildings associated with Derby Theatre.
Be a flexible member of staff and work, as necessary, across catering aspects of the building.
General
Actively support and promote Derby Theatre’s Learning Theatre model, including a commitment to engage with the University of Derby’s Theatre-related higher education provision; to contribute to learning opportunities such as work experience, placements, and the theatre’s role as a learning environment.
Keep up to date with developments in the industry as they relate to your role, and to contribute to the overall development of the organisation.
Take an active role in the team and staff as a whole, and to attend team or cross-organisation meetings as required.
Ensure that Derby Theatre’s policies, procedures and values are observed in every area of the department’s work, and to ensure that General Data Protection Regulations are adhered to as they relate to your role. To contribute to the development of departmental policies and practices.
Act always in the best interests of Derby Theatre, protecting intellectual property and confidential information at all times.
Carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time, commensurate with the level of the post.
We expect all Derby Theatre staff to work in a flexible manner to effectively deliver their role and in line with the objectives of the company, including the Learning Theatre model, Equality and Diversity, and Sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential criteria:
Excellent customer service skills and an ability to lead by example
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Experience of working in a fast paced, high standard service environment
Experience of food handling and service
Familiarity with till systems and card machine payments
Ability to maintain high standards of service while working under pressure
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Ability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, as required
Desirable criteria:
Barista training
Experience of Food Safety regulations and protocols
One year’s previous experience as café or bar staff
Experience of cooking, baking and food preparation
Experience of working in a theatre or arts environment
Sales-oriented and target-driven approach
Ability to uphold the vision and values of Derby Theatre