General Assistant, Thomas Franks in Manchester - Visa Sponsorship Available

Thomas Franks is hiring a General Assistant in Manchester, a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking to join a dynamic catering team. This role is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants as visa sponsorship is available, making it open to foreign applicants needing a UK work visa. Offering a competitive salary of £13.72 per hour, this position also includes free meals on duty and excellent career progression opportunities.

Job Description

As a General Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the catering team, ensuring smooth operations in a fast-paced environment. Your primary responsibilities will involve serving customers, replenishing stock, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

A significant part of this role includes taking primary responsibility for dishwashing and pot-wash duties, ensuring all crockery, cutlery, utensils, and kitchen equipment are cleaned, sanitised, and promptly returned. You will also be involved in preparing service areas, setting up for special functions, and assisting with basic food preparation, all while adhering to strict hygiene and safety practices.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a fast-paced catering environment is preferred.
• Ability to support the team with serving customers, replenishing stocks, and cleaning duties.
• Primary responsibility for dishwashing and pot-wash duties, maintaining a clean and hygienic wash-up area.
• Ability to prepare service areas and assist with special functions, including basic food preparation.
• Demonstrable team working abilities, listening skills, and ability to work on own initiative.
• Impeccable personal presentation, hygiene, and respectful behaviour towards others.
• Hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification (preferred).
• Ability to demonstrate reasonable/good understanding and use of verbal and written English.
• Ability to manage some moderately heavy lifting, carrying, and pushing.
• All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK, with visa sponsorship available for eligible foreign applicants.

Benefits

• Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms etc.)
• Free meals on duty
• Volunteers leave – up to one day per year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Recommend a friend bonus
• Unrivalled individual training and development
• Well-established apprenticeship programme
• Team & company social events
• Employee assistance programme
• Workplace pension
• Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this General Assistant role, focus on showcasing your practical experience in fast-paced catering environments. Emphasise any prior roles that involved customer service, food handling, or maintaining hygiene standards. Ensure your CV highlights your Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification if you have one, or express your willingness to obtain it, as this is a significant advantage for food service roles in the UK. Tailor your LinkedIn profile to reflect your commitment to customer service and food safety, aligning with UK employer expectations.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss your experience with dishwashing, stock replenishment, and adhering to health and safety protocols. For the visa sponsorship aspect, be confident in explaining your eligibility and your commitment to relocating and integrating into the UK workforce. Highlight your adaptability and flexibility, as these are key for roles with varied shift patterns and occasional evening/weekend work.

• Update your CV to a UK format, focusing on practical catering experience and customer service skills.
• Obtain or highlight your Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification.
• Prepare examples of how you've handled busy service periods and maintained hygiene standards.
• Practice articulating your English communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Research Thomas Franks' values and be ready to discuss how you align with their "fanatical about food" approach.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is available for this General Assistant position. This role is explicitly open to foreign and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa. If your immigration status is borderline or you have unique circumstances, it is advisable to clearly state your situation in your cover letter or during the initial application process to ensure clarity.