General Assistant

Position Overview

Located in Glastonbury, Somerset, Thomas Franks Ltd is seeking a dedicated General Assistant to join our vibrant team. This is a full-time, permanent position on a 38-week term-time contract, offering 20-30 hours per week, including weekend residential activities for boarders. Our school community serves around 550 pupils and staff daily, with a core offering that includes breakfast, lunch, and supper in an extensive campus setting surrounded by the Somerset countryside.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in serving customers, replenishing stock, and maintaining cleanliness across service areas.
• Prepare and set up all service zones for daily meal operations.
• Manage special event duties including preparation, serving, clearing, cleaning, and equipment storage for food and beverages.
• Prepare simple food items for sale or service while adhering to hygiene and safety standards specified.
• Ensure stocks and consumables are restocked proactively during service to optimize customer service.
• Properly manage and dispose of waste, including recycling in designated areas.
• Occasionally work evenings and weekends to support school events and functions.
• Maintain adherence to company food quality standards and minimize wastage.
• Follow all Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, and allergen control policies rigorously.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Experience working in a fast-moving catering environment is preferred.
• Excellent team collaboration and listening skills, the ability to use initiative, and strong personal presentation.
• Food hygiene certification preferred; Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification is required.
• Flexible approach to work hours and task assignments, demonstrating reliability and honesty.
• A willingness to learn new skills and accept responsibility.
• Capacity to manage moderate physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and pushing.
• Proficient verbal and written English communication skills.
• Previous customer service or food preparation experience is desirable.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Access to discounts through the Wider Wallet scheme at major retailers, gyms, and restaurants.
• Complimentary meals during work hours.
• Volunteering leave of up to one day annually.
• Enhanced leave options for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Participation in a cycle to work initiative.
• Referral bonus scheme for recommending friends.
• Comprehensive individual training and development programs, including an established apprenticeship scheme.
• Regular company and team social events.
• Employee assistance program and workplace pension provision.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a leading independent contract catering company.

About Thomas Franks

We are a founder-led catering company committed to fresh food excellence, service with passion, and a client-first philosophy. Our unique approach focusses on individuality and quality, fostering both client and employee success.

Additional Terms and Criteria

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. The selection process includes enhanced DBS checks, identity verification, and references covering the past five years to meet safeguarding requirements. Disclosure of any convictions, cautions, or bind-overs is mandatory due to exemptions in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 for school roles.

Diversity and Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups, recognizing that diversity enriches our workplace and outcomes.