Food and Beverage Assistants

Job Title: Food and Beverage Assistants
Contract type: Temporary
Location: London on site
Team: Restaurant and Club Team
Reporting to: Hospitality Operations Manager
Salary: Competitive
Closing date: 
*Please not we are unable to provide work visa sponsorships

Our Restaurant and Club Events Team is looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and proactive Events Coordinator.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing a professional, welcoming and efficient hospitality and front of house service to members, guests, visitors and colleagues of the Royal Kennel Club. The role is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operation of the Club's dining, bar, reception and event services, ensuring high standards of customer care, presentation and operational excellence are maintained at all times

Responsibilities

Hospitality & Member Service

• Under the supervision of the Hospitality Operations Manager, provide a professional, courteous and efficient food and beverage service throughout all Club rooms, meeting rooms and function spaces.
• Ensure that food, beverages and hospitality services are delivered in accordance with booking requirements and within agreed service times.
• Deliver an exceptional experience to members, guests, committee members and visitors, maintaining the highest standards of customer care at all times.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the Club's food and beverage offering to confidently answer questions and make recommendations.

Front of House & Reception

• Providing cover when required as a welcoming first point of contact for members, visitors, suppliers and contractors entering the Club.
• Provide a warm, professional and friendly reception service that reflects the Royal Kennel Club's values and commitment to excellence.
• Support the Membership Experience Host in managing visitor arrivals, sign-in procedures and guest enquiries, ensuring appropriate security and visitor protocols are followed.
• Support room bookings, hospitality requests and event enquiries as directed by the Hospitality Operations Manager or management team.
• Welcome members, guests, visitors and contractors to the Club in a professional and friendly manner.
• Support the Membership Experience Host in managing reception and visitor sign-in procedures, ensuring visitor records are maintained accurately.
• Respond to telephone, email and in-person enquiries promptly and professionally.
• Assist visitors with directions, meeting arrangements and general information regarding Club facilities and services.
• Monitor public areas to ensure they remain tidy, presentable and welcoming throughout the day.
• Support meeting room bookings and hospitality requests as required.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation throughout all member-facing areas.
• Communicate effectively and positively with colleagues, members and visitors to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Identify and report any issues, concerns or operational matters to the Hospitality Operations Manager that may affect the smooth running of the department.
• Contribute proactively to the efficient day-to-day operation of the Club and hospitality services.
• Responsible for the accurate handling of cash, card transactions and hospitality-related stock.
• Assist with stock control and the minimisation of wastage within the department.

Restaurant & Dining Room Service

• Assist with the preparation and lay-up of the dining room for lunch, dinner and other hospitality services.
• Prepare tables and service stations, ensuring all required equipment, condiments and supplies are available and presented to a high standard.
• Under the supervision of the Hospitality Operations Manager, serve meals and refreshments to members, guests and committees in a professional and efficient manner.
• Maintain a full understanding of menus, daily specials and dietary requirements to support excellent customer service.
• Clear and reset tables promptly while maintaining cleanliness and presentation standards.
• Assist with afternoon tea, coffee services and hospitality requirements for meetings, functions and events.

Bar Operations

• Prepare, mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in accordance with licensing regulations and Club standards.
• Advise members and guests on drinks selections and promote new beverages and menu items where appropriate.
• Verify customer age and identification in line with legal requirements for alcohol sales.
• Maintain bar presentation standards, ensuring stock, glassware and equipment are clean and readily available.
• Carry out stock checks and assist with the ordering and replenishment of beverages and bar supplies.

Cash Handling & Stock Control

• Operate the electronic point of sale (EPOS) system accurately for cash and card transactions.
• Process food and beverage purchases using card payment terminals and cash handling procedures.
• Assist with inventory management, stock rotation and stock replenishment activities.
• Receive, check and store deliveries of food, beverages and hospitality supplies as directed.

Event & Function Support

• Assist in the preparation, set-up and delivery of Club functions, committee meetings, private events and member activities.
• Ensure hospitality requirements for events are delivered in line with booking specifications and service standards.
• Provide food and beverage service during events and assist with post-event clear-down activities.
• Support evening functions and special events, including Crufts and other Royal Kennel Club events when required.
• Act as an ambassador for the Royal Kennel Club, promoting a professional and welcoming image at all times. 
• Undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the role as requested by management.

Cleaning, Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Assist with washing up duties and the cleaning of silverware, crockery, glassware, equipment, fridges, hotplates and other catering equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness standards in all hospitality, dining and public areas.
• Ensure service areas are organised, appropriately stocked and ready for operation at all times.
• Report maintenance, equipment or health and safety concerns promptly to the Hospitality Operations Manager.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Comply with all Fire, Emergency, Security, Health & Safety and Food Hygiene procedures.
• Follow Club policies, procedures and standards as detailed within the Employee Handbook.
• Attend mandatory training sessions and complete any compliance training required by the organisation.
• Adhere to licensing regulations and responsible alcohol service practices.

Requirements

Essential:

• Previous experience in a hospitality, catering, bar, restaurant, members' club, hotel or customer-facing role.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 and Health and Safety Training
• Experience providing excellent customer service to a diverse range of customers, members or visitors.
• Experience handling cash and card transactions accurately.
• Experience working as part of a team in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Experience maintaining high standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Professional, friendly and welcoming manner.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexibly and remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good understanding of health and safety and food hygiene practices.

Desirable:

• Previous front of house or reception experience.
• Experience working in a private members' club, hospitality venue, hotel or corporate environment.
• Experience supporting meetings, conferences, events or functions.
• Experience using EPOS systems and card payment terminals.
• Experience with stock control, ordering or inventory management.
• Bar service experience, including preparing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Knowledge of food hygiene regulations and best practice.
• Understanding of alcohol licensing requirements and responsible alcohol service.
• Basic administration and reception skills.
• Knowledge of hospitality service standards within a members' club environment.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, increasing up to 30 days, in addition to statutory holidays. Staff may also receive additional days for any approved business closure days over the festive period in December, Option to buy up to five days of annual leave per year.
• Employer pension contributions double the percentage of your plan earnings, up to 8%
• Life assurance equivalent to three times your basic salary (two times your basic salary for non-pension scheme members)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Lifestyle discounts via our EAP and healthcare cashback programme
• Discounts on Royal Kennel Club products and services
• 4X Complimentary staff tickets to Crufts and Discover Dogs
• Healthcare cashback programme with a fixed contribution paid for by the Royal Kennel Club
• Free eye tests with a voucher towards the cost of your spectacles
• Financial support for professional and vocational qualifications, with five days' study leave provided
• Free access to The Royal Kennel Club Library and Art Gallery