Cafe Assistant
| Posting date: | 12 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £23,205 per year |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 11 February 2026 |
| Location: | Durham, County Durham, DH1 5LE |
| Company: | Durham University |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 25001804_1768224686 |
Summary
The Role and Department
The Operations Directorate: Elevating the Student and Staff Experience
The Operations Directorate is 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.
All staff within the Operations Directorate share the responsibility for supporting environmental and social sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation and re-use and recycling as outlined in operating procedures. 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:
- 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.
- College Operations: With over 200 dedicated professionals, we provide residential services within the colleges as well as supporting student and non-student-led events.
- 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!
The Role
Café assistants work in one of our 12 thriving cafes which are located across Durham University Campus.
As a Café Assistant, you will be working part of a team to provide students, colleagues, and guests with a courteous, professional, friendly, and efficient catering service. Working as part of the catering team you will ensure that Retail Outlets are set up to an exceptional standard and remain clean, tidy and a safe working environment.
Washing up is completed as part of the role, this will include the use of an automatic dishwasher, and after service, all food areas are cleared and cleaned. Working in a catering environment requires an element of physical manual handling which can include lifting and transporting food and catering equipment, including heavy plates and cutlery.
Specific Role Information
There are four positions available, all 6 hours per week over 26 weeks, Term Time Only. Locations include Maiden Castle, Small Island Coffee located within the Bill Bryson Library, Zing Kitchen, and Waterside.
We will require you to be punctual, flexible, and willing to work variable shift patterns, including evenings and weekends.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme