Commercial and Operations Assistant - Kitchen

NEWS

Last Updated: 19 February 2026

Job Advert: Commercial and Operations Assistant - Kitchen

Do you want to help power great food at the heart of campus? If so, this job could be for you!

Job Title: Commercial and Operations Assistant - Kitchen

Location: Newcastle University campus (office based)

Employment type: Full time (37 hours per week)

Salary: Per annum £24,910 with annual incremental rises (grade A)

About NUSU:

We are Newcastle University Students' Union (NUSU) – an innovative, and student-led organisation dedicated to making the university experience unforgettable. As a charity, we are committed to enriching student life through exciting opportunities, wellbeing support, and championing the student voice. Working closely with Newcastle University, we’re right at the heart of campus, offering a dynamic space that includes a live music venue, bar, supermarket, merchandise shop, food outlets, study spaces, and more.

The role:

Are you organised, hands-on, and confident working in a fast-paced food production environment? We’re looking for a Commercial and Operations Assistant - Kitchen to support the day-to-day running of one of our on-campus branded food operations.

Reporting to the Commercial & Operations Coordinators, you’ll play a key role in supporting supervisors and variable-hours food service staff, helping to deliver consistent food quality, brand compliance, and high operational standards in a busy campus setting.

This is a practical, people-focused role suited to someone who enjoys leading by example, and supporting efficient back-of-house and front-of-house operations.

Key Responsibilities

As our Commercial and Operations Assistant, you will:

• Support the daily operation of a PU food chain franchise, ensuring smooth service and effective staff deployment.
• Assist with shift planning, rota coordination, and day-to-day supervision of food service teams.
• Support staff training, inductions, and ongoing development in line with franchise and NUSU standards.
• Help monitor stock levels, deliveries, waste, and ordering using internal systems.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and franchise brand standards at all times.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and efficiency across kitchen and service areas.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment. • Act as a keyholder where required, supporting opening and closing procedures.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge:

• Experience working in a busy food service, catering, or quick-service restaurant environment.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety procedures.

Skills & Experience: 

• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Confident supporting and motivating teams in a fast-paced setting.
• Able to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused under pressure.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities during peak service periods.
• Practical, proactive, and adaptable approach to work.
• Committed to inclusion, teamwork, and respect in the workplace.

Why Join Us?

At NUSU, we believe in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where our team can thrive. As part of our organisation, you’ll enjoy:

✅ 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

✅ Mental health and wellbeing support

✅ Employer pension contribution (4%)

✅ No dress code – be yourself at work!

✅ Hybrid and flexible working options (role-dependent) plus annual Rest & Recharge closure

✅ Exclusive student and staff discounts

✅ Paid time off for volunteering and charity work

✅ Subsidised food in our Co-op shop and Wetherspoons bar

How to apply:

Visit our website Newcastle University Students' Union to learn more about us and the role.

Send your named CV and a letter of application to vacancies.union@newcastle.ac.uk.

In your letter, please specify which role you are applying for and outline how your knowledge, skills, and experience meet the requirements of the role.

If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview process, please let us know, we are happy to help.

Application deadline:

Applications will be accepted until 01.03.26. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview which will take place on 10.03.26.

We truly appreciate every application; however, we can only respond to shortlisted candidates.

Unfortunately we will not be able to contact those applicants who haven’t been shortlisted, so if you haven’t heard from us by 06.03.26 this means that you haven’t been successful on this occasion.

Contact info:

For further information please contact Dawn Hathaway at dawn.hathaway2@newcastle.ac.uk.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

At NUSU, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. We celebrate and value the differences that make each individual unique and strive to create a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, nationality, or marital/civil partnership status. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, all applicants will be asked to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form to help us ensure fair and inclusive recruitment practices.