Commercial Catering Internship

The Catering Intern is a practical development role based across Corridor Coffee and the Students’ Union food huts. Working alongside the Catering Manager, Catering Assistant and studying staff, you’ll help deliver fast, friendly and inclusive food and drink service for students, University staff and visitors.

This is an annualised-hours role covering 1,200 hours across the contract year, normally worked as 30 hours per week over 40 working weeks aligned to the academic and catering calendar. Salary is spread evenly across 12 months, providing a regular monthly income even though working hours are concentrated during the busier trading periods.

The role combines hands-on service with structured learning and development. You’ll build skills in barista service, food preparation, opening and closing routines, EPOS and cash processes, stock rotation, waste control, food safety, allergen management and customer service.

Over the course of the internship, you’ll also develop a broader understanding of how a commercial food and drink offer is created and improved. This may include supporting product trials, menu and range development, promotions, pricing and value activity, and using sales information and customer feedback to understand what is working. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll be given greater autonomy to coordinate parts of the operation, help guide studying staff and take ownership of practical projects designed to improve sales, service, availability or the customer experience.

Every commercial pound generated by our catering outlets supports the work of Manchester Students’ Union. This makes the role an opportunity to develop a broad foundation in commercial hospitality while directly contributing to an affordable, welcoming and high-quality student food and drink offer.

Details

Salary: £18,811 per annum, based on 0.74 FTE salary of £25,360

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 30 hours per week for a total of 45 weeks

Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who have graduated in the last year and are eligible to work in the UK.

Recruitment Timeline

Applications opened: 07/08/2026

Applications close: 20/08/2026 23:59 PM

Interviews: 28/08/2026

Role Commencing: 07/09/2026

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.

Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make any further changes. Please ensure you are happy with your responses before submitting.