General Assistant

Job description

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 Department

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.
  

The Role

General Assistants are responsible for supporting a professional, responsive and efficient catering service for students, staff and visitors, ensuring that food production is presented, served, 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, checking and signing for deliveries.

Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to 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.

Specific Role Information

Working in the catering team requires an element of physical manual handling, which can include lifting and transporting catering equipment.

There are various roles available, ranging from 32 weeks a year to year round. All contracts are any 5 days from 7, which may include some evenings and weekends. Typical working hours are between 7am and 9:30pm. You may be required to work at other locations to support business needs.

35 hours per week, 52 weeks a year, permanent, based at University College.

35 hours per week, 52 weeks a year, fixed term for 16 months, based at Grey College

35 hours per week, 32 weeks a year (Term Time Only), permanent, based at Van Mildert College

30 hours per week, 32 weeks a year (Term Time Only), permanent, based at Trevelyan College

25 hours per week, 32 weeks a year (Term Time Only), permanent, based at Trevelyan College

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'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• 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.
• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, 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.
• We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

Essential Criteria

Experience of basic food production and preparation.

Ability to accurately follow written and oral instructions.

Positive 'can do' attitude.

Excellent attention to detail.

Willingness to work flexibly.

Ability to work well under pressure.

Customer focussed.

Friendly, positive and courteous

Basic numeracy and literacy skills.

Desirable Criteria

Level 2 Basic food safety hygiene.

Valid UK Drivers Licence

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process,

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery
• Provide an excellent service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).
• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided e.g. safety shoes and being aware of any hazards.
• Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools e.g. electrical appliances from more experienced colleagues.
• Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.
• Help check and monitor stock controls.

Teamwork
• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.
• Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked.
• Help colleagues maintain facilities and equipment safely and securely.
• Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.

Communication/Personal
• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values.
• Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.

Version 07-2026