Team RAL: Event Catering Support Staff Jobs in Oxford – Temporary Catering Roles for Weddings, Corporate Events & Venues
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire (and surrounding OX postcodes)
Job Type: Temporary / Part-Time / Flexible
Salary: Competitive Hourly Rates (Weekly Pay) + Holiday Pay
Start Date: Immediate Starts Available
Are You Ready to Join the Heart of Oxford’s Event Scene?
Imagine working in the shadow of the dreaming spires, serving canapés in historic university colleges, or pouring champagne at exclusive weddings in the Oxfordshire countryside. If you are looking for work that is dynamic, social, and flexible, you have come to the right place.
Recruitment Agency London (RAL) is currently expanding its "Team RAL" division into Oxfordshire. We are urgently seeking enthusiastic, polished, and reliable individuals for Event Catering Support Staff Jobs in Oxford.
We aren't just looking for bodies to fill a room; we are looking for the face of our clients' events. Whether you are a student at Oxford Brookes or the University of Oxford looking for extra cash, a hospitality pro seeking variety, or simply someone who loves the buzz of a great party, we have temporary catering roles waiting for you.
From high-end corporate events to intimate weddings and bustling venues, this is your chance to work behind the scenes at some of the most prestigious locations in the UK.
Why Choose Temporary Catering Work in Oxford?
Oxford is a city of events. It is a hub of academic tradition, business innovation, and tourism. This creates a massive, year-round demand for hospitality staff. But why choose temporary work over a permanent job in a café?
1. Variety is the Spice of Life
One day you might be working a black-tie gala dinner at the Ashmolean Museum; the next, you’re assisting at a quirky festival in Cowley, and the weekend after, you’re part of a wedding team in a marquee in Woodstock. No two shifts are ever the same. You will never be bored.
2. Unmatched Flexibility
We know that life in Oxford can be busy. You might have lectures, exams, or family commitments. With Team RAL, you are in the driver’s seat. You choose the shifts that fit your schedule.
- Students: work evenings and weekends.
- Freelancers: pick up shifts between projects.
- Parents: work events that fit around school hours.
3. Networking Opportunities
Working in event catering support puts you in the room with interesting people. You will work alongside top chefs, event planners, and business leaders. It is a fantastic way to build connections and improve your soft skills—communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—which look great on any CV.
The Role: What Does "Event Catering Support" Actually Mean?
"Catering Support" is a broad term, but it essentially means you are the engine that keeps the event running smoothly. You are the link between the kitchen and the guest. While specific duties vary by venue, here is what you can expect when you join Team RAL.
Front of House (FOH) Duties
This is where the magic happens. You are the visible presence of the event.
- Plate Waiting: Serving multi-course meals with precision and elegance (often silver service).
- Canapé Service: Circulating the room with trays of appetizers, describing the food to guests, and keeping the flow moving.
- Bar Support: Pouring wine, opening champagne, serving soft drinks, and keeping the bar area tidy.
- Meet and Greet: Welcoming guests, taking coats, and directing them to the right area.
Back of House (BOH) & Logistics
Behind the scenes, organization is key.
- Polishing: ensuring glassware and cutlery are spotless before service begins.
- Set-Up: laying tables, arranging chairs, and setting up buffet stations according to floor plans.
- Clear-Down: The less glamorous but essential part—clearing tables, stacking chairs, and packing away equipment after the event finishes.
The "Team RAL" Standard
We pride ourselves on quality. Whether you are pouring water or serving a VIP, we expect a high level of professionalism. We provide training, but we need you to bring the positive attitude.
The Oxford Event Landscape: Where Will You Work?
Oxfordshire offers some of the most stunning backdrops for hospitality work in the country. By joining Team RAL, you gain access to a variety of sectors.
Historic University Colleges
Oxford’s 38 colleges are constantly hosting formal halls, alumni dinners, and conferences. These events are steeped in tradition. Working here requires a sharp eye for detail and a respect for protocol. It is a unique experience you won't get anywhere else.
Corporate Events & Conferences
Oxford is a center for science and technology. We supply staff for business launches, networking breakfasts, and large-scale conferences at hotels and dedicated event centers. These roles are often fast-paced and require efficiency and a proactive mindset.
Weddings & Private Parties
From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to city-center hotels, weddings are a huge part of our business, especially in the summer months. Being part of someone's special day is a privilege. It requires a warm smile, patience, and the ability to handle the pressure when the speeches run over time!
Festivals and Public Events
Oxford has a vibrant cultural calendar. We often have Temporary Catering Roles available for food festivals, music events, and public gatherings where the vibe is more relaxed but the pace is just as fast.
Who We Are Looking For: The Ideal Candidate
You don’t need to be a Michelin-star waiter to join us (though if you are, we’d love to have you!). We hire for attitude and train for skill. However, there are certain traits that make for a successful Event Catering Support member.
Essential Requirements:
- Immaculate Presentation: You are the face of the event. We usually require a smart uniform (typically black trousers/skirt, crisp white or black shirt, and smart black shoes). Personal grooming must be high.
- Reliability: In the events world, timing is everything. If service starts at 7:00 PM, we need you ready at 6:30 PM. We need people we can count on.
- Communication Skills: You need to be able to speak clearly and politely to guests and listen to instructions from event managers.
- Stamina: You will be on your feet for long periods, carrying trays and moving swiftly. It’s a physical job.
Desirable (But Not Essential):
- Previous Hospitality Experience: Experience in a café, restaurant, or bar is a bonus.
- Driver’s License: While many jobs are in Oxford city center, some of the best wedding venues are in the countryside. Having a car can get you more shifts.
- Food Hygiene Certificate: A Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate is a great asset (and we can help point you toward resources to get one).
Training and Development: We Invest in You
At Recruitment Agency London, we believe that temporary staff deserve the same respect and investment as permanent employees. We want you to feel confident before you step onto the floor.
Pre-Deployment Briefing
Before your first shift, we will ensure you understand the dress code, the location, and the specific nature of the event. You won't be thrown in the deep end.
Skills Workshops
For those who want to progress, we offer guidance on advanced service techniques, such as:
- Silver Service (using spoon and fork to serve food).
- Wine pouring etiquette.
- Tray carrying techniques (it’s an art form!).
Career Pathways
Many of our "temps" use this experience to launch careers in hospitality management, event planning, or hotel administration. We are always happy to provide references for our reliable team members. Check out our Candidate Resources page for more tips on building your career.
The "Team RAL" Difference
Why choose us over other agencies? Because we are Recruitment Agency London, bringing the high standards of the capital’s hospitality scene to Oxford.
We Are Semantic & Smart
We use advanced matching technology to ensure you are paired with the right jobs. We don’t just blast out text messages to everyone; we look at your skills and preferences. If you hate late nights, we won't spam you with nightclub shifts.
We Are Human
We have a dedicated consultant team. If you have a problem with your pay, a query about a venue, or an emergency that means you can't make a shift, you can talk to a real person. We value open communication.
We Pay Fairly
We offer competitive hourly rates that reflect the hard work you do. We adhere strictly to all UK employment laws regarding breaks and working conditions. Plus, you accrue holiday pay for every hour you work.
How to Apply: Join Team RAL Oxford Today
Getting started is easy. We have streamlined our recruitment process to get you working as soon as possible.
- Online Application: Visit our website and navigate to the registration page. Upload your CV and a brief cover letter explaining why you want to work in events.
- The Interview: We will invite you for a video or in-person interview. This isn't a grilling; it's a chat to see your personality and check your eligibility to work in the UK.
- Onboarding: Once successful, you'll join our app/portal where you can see available shifts in real-time.
- Start Working: Pick a shift, turn up, and start earning!
Don't wait. The events season is year-round in Oxford. Visit our Contact Us page to get the ball rolling.
Conclusion: Your Ticket to the Best Events in Oxford
If you are looking for a job that offers freedom, fun, and finances, Event Catering Support Staff Jobs in Oxford are the answer. You get to be part of the celebration, work with a great team, and go home knowing you helped make an event special.
Team RAL is building a community of excellence in Oxfordshire. We want proactive, smiling, and energetic people to join us. Whether you want to work 5 hours a week or 40, we have the opportunities for you.
Forget the boring desk job. Put on your best shirt, bring your energy, and let’s make some memories.
Apply now and become a vital part of Team RAL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need previous experience to join Team RAL as catering support?
Not necessarily! While previous experience in hospitality, restaurants, or bars is fantastic, it is not a strict requirement for all roles. We look for the right attitude first—enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn are key. For more complex roles (like Silver Service dinners), we will prioritize experienced staff, but there are plenty of entry-level Temporary Catering Roles where you can learn on the job.
2. How does the pay work for temporary shifts?
We operate on a weekly payroll cycle. You will be paid an hourly rate that is competitive for the Oxford area. You submit your timesheets (usually digital) after your shifts, and payment is made directly to your bank account the following week. In addition to your hourly rate, you also accrue holiday pay, which you can claim.
3. What is the dress code for these events?
Presentation is crucial in Event Catering Support. The standard uniform for 90% of our shifts is "Black and White":
- Clean, ironed long-sleeved white shirt (buttoned to the top).
- Smart black trousers (suit trousers, not jeans or leggings).
- Smart black polished shoes (closed toe, comfortable for walking—no trainers).
- Sometimes an all-black uniform (black shirt/black trousers) is required.
We will always confirm the specific dress code for each shift via our booking system before you accept the job.
4. Can I work with my friends?
Absolutely! We know that working with friends makes the shift more enjoyable. If you and your friends both register with Recruitment Agency London and are accepted onto Team RAL, you can often apply for the same shifts. In fact, if you recommend a friend who turns out to be a great worker, we often run referral schemes!
5. I live in Oxford but don't drive. Can I still apply?
Yes. A large number of our venues are located within the Oxford Ring Road and are easily accessible by the Oxford Bus Company or Stagecoach services. For Weddings & Corporate Events further out in the Oxfordshire countryside (like the Cotswolds), having a car is beneficial, but sometimes we can arrange carpooling with other staff members or the client may provide transport from the city center.