Staff Direct: Event Catering Staff and Banqueting Personnel Recruitment Solutions in Derby
Job Title: Event Catering Staff
Location: Derby
Introduction
Have you ever stood in the middle of a grand ballroom just minutes before the doors open? The silver is polished to a mirror shine, the wine glasses are perfectly aligned, and there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
Events like these don't just happen by accident. They are the result of a meticulously choreographed dance performed by a dedicated team of hospitality professionals. At Staff Direct, we are the choreographers.
We are currently looking for energetic, polished, and hard-working individuals to join our roster of Event Catering Staff and Banqueting Personnel in Derby. Whether it is a high-stakes corporate gala, a romantic wedding in the Derbyshire countryside, or a high-octane match-day hospitality suite, we provide the talent that makes Derby’s events unforgettable.
If you have a passion for service and want to work at the most exciting venues in the East Midlands, your journey starts here.
Why Derby is the Place to Be for Hospitality
Derby is a city that knows how to host. From the industrial heritage of the Silk Mill to the modern intensity of Pride Park Stadium, the city is a hub for both business and leisure. This unique mix creates a constant, year-round demand for elite catering and banqueting staff.
When you work with Staff Direct, you aren't just taking a "temp job." You are becoming part of the city’s vibrant social and economic engine. We work with some of the most prestigious venues in the region, ranging from historic manor houses on the edge of the Peak District to cutting-edge conference centers in the city heart.
The hospitality scene here is growing, and we need a team that can keep up. We aren't looking for "plate-carriers"; we are looking for Ambassadors of Service.
The Roles: What Does "Team Staff Direct" Look Like?
The world of banqueting is diverse. Depending on your skills and interests, we have several roles available:
1. Banqueting Plate Waiters
This is the heart of the operation. You’ll be working in a "team service" environment, often synchronized with your colleagues to ensure an entire table is served at once. It requires grace, speed, and a great memory for dietary requirements.
2. Bar and Wine Staff
Whether you are pouring a perfect pint or recommending a crisp Chardonnay to pair with a starter, our bar staff are the life of the party. You’ll need to be quick on your feet and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
3. Front of House Hosts
First impressions are everything. Our hosts greet guests, manage cloakrooms, and ensure that everyone feels welcome from the moment they step through the door.
4. Back of House & Kitchen Porters
The unsung heroes of any event. Without our KP team, the front of house would grind to a halt. We need reliable, hardworking people who can keep the kitchen running smoothly during the "big push."
To see a full list of what we offer to our clients, visit our Hospitality Services page.
What We Look For: The "Staff Direct" Standard
We don’t just hire anyone with a white shirt. To join Staff Direct, you need to demonstrate that you care about the "small things."
The "It" Factor: Personality and Poise
In an event setting, your attitude is just as important as your ability to carry three plates. We look for people who are naturally warm, helpful, and proactive. If you see a guest looking for a napkin, you don't wait to be asked—you provide it.
Professional Presentation
In Derby’s high-end venues, image matters. We expect our staff to arrive with "London-style" grooming—crisp uniforms, polished shoes, and a professional demeanor. You are the face of the event, and you should look the part.
Reliability
Events don't have a "pause" button. If you are scheduled for a wedding at , being there at is not an option. We value staff who are punctual and dependable.
Knowledge of Food Safety
While we provide briefings, having a baseline understanding of food hygiene is essential. We recommend all our candidates familiarise themselves with the Food Standards Agency guidelines to ensure they are working safely and professionally.
Why Join Staff Direct? (The Perks)
Why should you choose us over a local pub or another agency?
1. Unbeatable Flexibility
Are you a student at the University of Derby? A parent? A freelancer? Our booking system allows you to pick the shifts that fit your life. You tell us when you are free, and we find the work.
2. Competitive Pay Rates
We believe that hard work should be rewarded. Our rates for event staff in Derby are among the best in the industry, often ranging from £11.50 to £16.00 per hour depending on the role and the complexity of the event.
3. Variety of Venues
One day you might be working at a high-end car launch at a tech park, and the next you could be at a black-tie charity gala. You’ll never get bored, and you’ll build a massive network of professional contacts.
4. Weekly Pay
No more waiting a month for your money. At Staff Direct, we pay our staff weekly, ensuring your hard work is reflected in your bank account right away.
A Day in the Life: The Banqueting Experience
Let’s paint a picture of a typical Saturday shift in Derby with Staff Direct.
12:00 PM: You arrive at a beautiful converted mill on the outskirts of the city. You meet your Team Leader and receive the "Order of Service." Today is a wedding for 150 guests.
12:30 PM: You help with the final touches—straightening chairs, checking that the cutlery is aligned to the millimeter, and chilling the champagne.
14:00 PM: The guests arrive. You are stationed with a tray of canapés and a welcoming smile. You navigate the crowd with ease, ensuring everyone is fed and watered.
16:00 PM: The "Main Event." The wedding breakfast begins. You work in a team of 4 to serve the tables. It’s fast, it’s coordinated, and it’s a total adrenaline rush.
20:00 PM: The speeches are over, the cake is cut, and the evening guests start to arrive. You transition to bar service, keeping the energy high and the drinks flowing.
22:00 PM: You finish your shift. You’re tired, but you’ve been part of someone’s most important day. You sign your timesheet and head home, knowing you’ve done a great job.
Training and Development: Grow with Us
We don't just throw you into the deep end. At Staff Direct, we are committed to your growth. If you are new to hospitality, we provide "Banqueting Basics" training to teach you the technical skills—how to clear a table, how to pour wine properly, and how to manage a guest list.
For those looking to turn hospitality into a career, we offer pathways to Team Leader and Event Manager positions. Many of our senior staff started as plate waiters on our Derby roster.
We also encourage our staff to keep an eye on the National Careers Service - Hospitality for long-term career planning and skill building.
How to Apply: The Staff Direct Process
We’ve made joining our team as easy as possible.
- Register Online: Visit our Registration Page and upload your CV.
- The Chat: We’ll give you a call for a quick screening. We want to hear about your experience and your availability.
- The Induction: We’ll invite you for a short induction where we go over our standards, uniform requirements, and how to use our booking app.
- Start Working: Once you’re in the system, you’ll start receiving shift offers for the best events in Derby.
Conclusion: Join the Elite of Derby Hospitality
The event industry in Derby is thriving, and it needs people like you. At Staff Direct, we take pride in being more than just a recruitment agency. We are a community of professionals who love what they do and take pride in delivering excellence.
Whether you are looking for a few extra hours a week or a full-time career in the events industry, we have the opportunities, the pay, and the support to help you succeed.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today at staff-direct.co.uk and let’s get you on the guest list for Derby’s next big event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to have my own uniform for event work in Derby?
Generally, yes. The standard "uniform" for most banqueting roles is a crisp long-sleeved white or black shirt, black smart trousers (not jeans), and black polished leather shoes. Some high-end clients may provide a specific waistcoat or tie, but having your own "base" kit is essential for working with an agency.
2. What is the minimum age to work as bar staff?
To serve alcohol in the UK, you must be at least 18 years old. We do have roles for 16 and 17-year-olds in "back of house" positions or as food runners, but for any role involving the sale or service of alcohol, the legal limit applies.
3. How far in advance do I get my shift schedule?
The beauty of event work is its flexibility. Some major corporate events are booked months in advance, while others—like a sudden surge in wedding bookings—might appear just a few days before. Our app notifies you the moment a shift matches your profile, and you can choose to accept it or decline it instantly.
4. Can I work with a friend?
We love it when friends work together! Hospitality is a social industry, and having a "buddy" on-site can make the shift even more enjoyable. When you apply, let us know who you’ve recommended, and if you both have the right skills, we’ll do our best to book you on the same events.
5. What happens if an event is cancelled?
In the rare event that a client cancels a booking, we have a clear policy in place. If the cancellation happens within a certain timeframe (usually 24 to 48 hours), we aim to secure a "cancellation fee" for our staff or, better yet, find you a replacement shift at another venue so you don't lose out on your earnings.