Catering & Hospitality Jobs Guide 2024

Looking for flexible work in catering and hospitality? Discover part-time opportunities that fit your lifestyle, from kitchen roles to front-of-house positions, with evening, weekend, and flexible shift patterns available.

Quick Facts About Catering & Hospitality Roles

Average part-time salaries range from £16,000-£28,000 pro rata, with varied hours available from 12-25 hours per week. Evening, weekend, and split shifts are common, making this sector ideal for those seeking flexible work arrangements.

Types of Catering & Hospitality Roles

Entry-Level Positions:

• Kitchen Assistant - £16,000-£18,000 pro rata

• Waiting Staff - £16,000-£19,000 pro rata

• Barista - £17,000-£20,000 pro rata

• Bar Staff - £16,000-£19,000 pro rata

Experienced Positions:

• Chef - £22,000-£28,000 pro rata

• Restaurant Supervisor - £20,000-£24,000 pro rata

• Front of House Manager - £23,000-£28,000 pro rata

• Events Coordinator - £21,000-£26,000 pro rata

Popular Working Patterns

Flexible Shift Options:

• Breakfast shifts (6 am-11 am)

• Lunch service (11 am-3 pm)

• Evening shifts (5 pm-10 pm)

• Weekend work

• Event-based hours

Peak Working Times:

• School holidays

• Weekends

• Special events

• Seasonal periods

• Bank holidays

Essential Skills Required

Practical Skills:

• Food handling and hygiene

• Health and safety awareness

• Basic food preparation

• Cash handling

• Equipment operation

Customer Service Skills:

• Excellent communication

• Problem-solving abilities

• Team collaboration

• Working under pressure

• Attention to detail

Qualifications and Certificates

Essential Qualifications:

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2)

• Health and Safety Certificate

• First Aid (beneficial)

• Personal Licence (for bar work)

• Basic Food Preparation (Level 1-2)

Additional Beneficial Certifications:

• Customer Service qualification

• Barista training

• Wine and beverage certifications

• Food allergy awareness

• Fire safety

Career Progression Opportunities

Kitchen Career Path:

1. Kitchen Porter
2. Commis Chef
3. Chef de Partie
4. Sous Chef
5. Head Chef

Front of House Progression:

1. Waiting Staff
2. Team Leader
3. Supervisor
4. Assistant Manager
5. Restaurant Manager

2024 Salary Guide

Entry-Level Roles:

• Kitchen Porter: £16,000-£18,000 pro rata

• Waiting Staff: £16,000-£19,000 pro rata

• Bar Staff: £16,000-£19,000 pro rata

Supervisory Positions:

• Team Leader: £19,000-£22,000 pro rata

• Shift Supervisor: £20,000-£24,000 pro rata

• Bar Supervisor: £19,000-£23,000 pro rata

Management Roles:

• Restaurant Manager: £25,000-£30,000 pro rata

• Kitchen Manager: £24,000-£28,000 pro rata

• Events Manager: £23,000-£28,000 pro rata

Key Sectors Within Hospitality

Growing Areas:

• Boutique hotels

• Gastro pubs

• Corporate catering

• Event venues

• Coffee shop chains

• Fine dining restaurants

Emerging Opportunities:

• Virtual cooking experiences

• Food delivery services

• Pop-up restaurants

• Corporate events

• Private catering

CV and Application Tips

Key CV Sections:

• Relevant hospitality experience

• Food hygiene certificates

• Customer service achievements

• Flexible working history

• Specific skills and training

Application Essentials:

• Highlight availability for different shifts

• Showcase customer service experience

• Include all relevant certificates

• Demonstrate reliability

• Emphasize teamwork abilities

Interview Preparation

Common Questions:

"How do you handle busy service periods?"

"What experience do you have with customer complaints?"

"Can you describe your food hygiene practices?"

"What's your availability for different shifts?"

Questions to Ask Employers:

• Shift pattern details

• Training opportunities

• Team structure

• Peak business periods

• Career progression options

Industry Trends 2024

Current Trends:

• Focus on dietary requirements

• Sustainable practices

• Digital ordering systems

• Contactless service

• Experience-led dining

Future Skills Focus:

• Digital payment systems

• Booking software

• Allergen awareness

• Sustainability practices

• Health and safety protocols

Benefits of Working in Hospitality

Lifestyle Benefits:

• Flexible working hours

• Free or discounted meals

• Tips and service charges

• Social working environment

• Skill development opportunities

Career Benefits:

• Quick progression possible

• Transferable skills

• International opportunities

• Various work environments

• Continuous training

Ready to start your career in hospitality? Browse our latest opportunities or register for job alerts matching your preferred working patterns and locations.