Front of House Assistant

Job Overview:
As a Front of House Assistant at one of Cambridges renowned colleges, you will be the face of the colleges catering and event services, delivering a high standard of customer service to students, staff, and guests. This role involves ensuring that the front-of-house operations run smoothly, providing a welcoming and efficient service during meals, events, and special functions in a fast-paced, academic setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcome guests, students, and staff with a friendly and professional demeanor, ensuring they feel comfortable and valued at all times.
• Set up dining areas for meals, events, and special functions, ensuring all tables are properly arranged and that the dining environment reflects the colleges high standards.
• Serve food and beverages to guests in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring excellent presentation and adhering to any dietary requirements or preferences.
• Assist with the coordination of events, including formal dinners, conferences, and college events, ensuring a seamless front-of-house experience.
• Maintain a clean and organized dining area, including clearing and resetting tables, ensuring that the environment is always neat and tidy.
• Handle customer queries and concerns with professionalism, striving to resolve any issues promptly and to the satisfaction of all parties.
• Collaborate with kitchen and catering staff to ensure smooth communication between the front and back of house during service.
• Ensure that all health and safety standards are followed, including food hygiene and cleanliness of the front-of-house area.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels of front-of-house supplies, such as cutlery, glassware, and napkins, and notify the appropriate team members when replenishment is needed.
• Support with administrative duties, such as event bookings, guest lists, and special requests.
• Provide assistance during large events or high-demand periods, including helping to manage guest seating and flow during busy times.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Previous experience in a customer service or hospitality role, ideally within a busy college, university, or events setting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with a diverse range of guests, including students, faculty, and external visitors.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to anticipate and respond to guests needs.
• The ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy mealtimes or special events.
• A good understanding of health and safety regulations, particularly within a catering and events setting.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and special events, as required by the colleges schedule.

Desirable Attributes:

• Knowledge of or experience working in academic institutions or historic settings, with an understanding of the traditions and expectations associated with college life.
• Familiarity with food service protocols, including dietary needs and allergies.
• Enthusiasm for contributing to the colleges vibrant community and supporting its academic and social activities.

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