Job Description

Information for the role of Barista Assistant (Butterfield Cafe)

Salary 26,043 per annum for 37.5 hours per week


An excellent opportunity to join a prestigious organisation in a varied and fulfilling role in a friendly team. Your day-to-day duties will include:

Preparing and serving a range of hot and cold drinks, including barista-made coffees and specialty beverages. Creating and promoting weekly or seasonal beverage specials in collaboration with the Supervisor. Demonstrating excellent presentation and service of hot and cold sandwiches, snacks, and light meals. Using the cafe till system to process transactions accurately and efficiently. Restocking food and drink items in fridges and displays to ensure a well-presented and appealing offer. Delivering table service with professionalism, in accordance with College guidelines.

To be considered for this interesting role, you will need to bring:

Experience in a customer-facing role, ideally within a busy cafe or coffee shop Experience of barista duties and creating specialty drinks Sound knowledge of current Food Safety and relevant Health & Safety regulations The ability to operate espresso machines and other beverage equipment

The ideal candidate will have strong customer service and communication skills, be a team player, able to support others and cover roles during absence and be trustworthy and friendly.

About Downing College

Founded in 1800, Downing College in the University of Cambridge has a unique and magnificent setting among twenty acres of lawns and trees, yet is located in the centre of Cambridge. The open landscape has a superb collection of neo-classical buildings from the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Those living and working in Downing enjoy a beautiful environment unique in Cambridge in its spaciousness.


The College is composed of approximately 50 Fellows and 165 non-academic staff and its aim is to help all students to develop their academic ability and personal potential during their time here. We pride ourselves on being a friendly and informal community for Fellows, staff and students alike. Set within this expansive and beautiful landscape, Downing also has a thriving conference business and provides customers with a choice of superior conference, meeting and theatre facilities.

Details of the role

The post of Barista Assistant (Butterfield Cafe) is a permanent full-time role. Applications are invited from suitably experienced candidates.


The hours for this role are as follows;

During term time in the Butterfield Cafe - working, Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 4.30 pm, with a daily 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Outside of term time - working Monday to Friday 7.30 am - 3.30 pm, with a daily 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Working in the Buttery assisting the main catering team to prepare and serve breakfast and lunch for our conference guests.

There may need to be some flexibility on the hours with prior notice.


The annual salary is 26,043 per annum for 37.5 hours per week (step 29 on the College Salary Scale). In addition to the salary, we offer an attractive benefits package including:

35 days Holiday (including bank holidays and Christmas closure period) Discretionary Bonus scheme Free College Lunches on working days Pension scheme (with matched contribution up to 10%) Free access to an Employee Assistance programme 24/7 Healthcare Cash scheme (e.g. for prescriptions, dental, optical, physiotherapy) Free Life Assurance cover Optional subsidised private medical scheme Cycle purchase scheme, giving substantial savings on cycle purchase Free use of on-site Gym facilities Free on-site Car parking Social events An additional Day Off for your Birthday!

A full list of benefits is available from the College's HR Office. (Please note that these benefits are non-contractual and may be amended or withdrawn at our discretion.)

Application Process

To apply for this position click "Apply Now" on the advert posting on our website (Staff vacancies | Downing College Cambridge) and complete an application form. You are able to upload your CV in support of your application.

Closing date: midday on Wednesday 19 July 2025. Please note that the closing date for this post may be brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.


Applications are welcomed from a broad range of backgrounds. All applicants will be contacted once shortlisting has taken place. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.


Applicants who declare a disability will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the job.

We are pleased to be able offer this document in an accessible format,

please contact HR (recruitment@dow.cam.ac.uk) if you wish to receive this advert and role profile or an application form in a different, accessible format, e.g. large print.

For further information or in event of queries, please contact:

The HR Office

Email:recruitment@dow.cam.ac.uk


Tel: 01223 334820


Downing College, Cambridge, CB2 1DQ