Front of House General Assistant

Company Description

The Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford welcomes visitors, students, and global leaders to explore the challenges of public policy and the future of government. Set within a striking contemporary building in the heart of Oxford, the School brings together world-class teaching, research, and debate in light-filled spaces designed for discussion and collaboration. With its international community and focus on improving government around the world, the Blavatnik School offers an inspiring setting at one of the world’s leading universities.

Job Description

Hospitality Assistant – Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

the Blavatnik School of Government is looking for a hospitality superstar to join the team. This role is ideal for someone who can support across all areas of hospitality and catering, and who is adaptable to working across a wide range of events within a prestigious university environment.

The Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford hosts a variety of high-profile events, from breakfast meetings and buffet lunches to drinks receptions, formal dinners, conferences, and VIP hospitality. Set within a striking contemporary building, the School welcomes students, academics, global leaders, senior guests, and visitors from around the world.

As a Hospitality Assistant, you will work closely with the Hospitality Supervisor and Manager, supporting the operations team, talented chefs, and events team to deliver seamless service, excellent food and drink, and a consistently professional guest experience.

The Hospitality Assistant will build strong relationships with on-site clients, visitors, and guests, understanding how to deliver smooth service, continuous quality, and always with a warm, human touch.

Job Type: 37.5-hour contract
Hourly Rate: £14.06

Key Responsibilities:

Monitoring and serving all food and drinks to customers, clients, guests, and visitors, as well as clearing throughout events.

Ensuring that furniture, dining tables, chairs, service stations, and hospitality spaces are clean, tidy, and presented to the highest standard.

Preparing hospitality food and beverage requests for meeting rooms, event spaces, breakfast service, buffet lunches, drinks receptions, and formal dinners in a presentable and professional manner.

Supporting a wide variety of events, including breakfast meetings, working lunches, buffet lunches, high-end drinks parties, conferences, private dining, and formal dinners.

Being able to work without close supervision, using initiative to complete duties and tasks without always needing direction.

Serving guests with the highest level of service, with speed, efficiency, professionalism, and always with a smile.

Working on licensed bars and serving alcoholic beverages during receptions, dinners, and evening events.

Being able to use coffee machines and support hot beverage service for meetings, conferences, and hospitality bookings.

Assisting with ordering, deliveries, stock movement, and set-up requirements as needed.

Preparing all hospitality requirements in advance, ensuring that all items are available and reporting any shortages or issues to the line manager.

Ensuring that any hired linen, equipment, glassware, crockery, or event items are counted, packed away, and ready for collection after the event.

Ensuring hospitality rooms, event spaces, service areas, and back-of-house areas are left clean, tidy, and ready for the next booking.

Qualifications

Previous experience in hospitality, catering, events, or customer service is preferred.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with colleagues, clients, visitors, and guests.

A supportive and reliable team player who contributes positively to the wider hospitality team.

Ability to work well under pressure in a busy, fast-paced events environment.

Confident in taking initiative and completing tasks without always needing direction.

Committed to delivering excellent customer service at all times.

Able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Flexible and adaptable to different working conditions, event styles, and service requirements.

Positive, professional, and approachable attitude.

Able to respond calmly and effectively to customer service issues, helping to resolve problems quickly and professionally.

Additional Information

Benefits

As a Hospitality Assistant at the Blavatnik School of Government, you will benefit from a range of employee benefits, including:

The role offers a Monday to Friday working pattern, with up to 10 weekends per year required depending on business needs and event requirements

Any additional hours worked will be paid as overtime.

• Bank holidays off.
• Meals provided while on shift.
• Employee discount.
• Life insurance.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Company pension.
• Paid volunteer time.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced maternity leave.
• Bank holidays off.
• Meals provided while on shift.
• Ongoing training, support, and development opportunities.