Catering Assistant

CDDFT Charity; Darlington; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join their award-winning Catering Services team. This role involves the safe production of over 17,000 meals weekly, ensuring high standards of food quality and hygiene. The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy environment, demonstrating a commitment to customer care and effective teamwork. This position offers a chance to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community while enjoying a supportive work environment. If you're passionate about food and service, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Performance Related Bonus Scheme

Pension Scheme (NEST)

Night Shift Allowances

Bank Holiday Allowances

Qualifications

• Experience in a kitchen environment, preferably with Cook Chill experience.
• Knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in producing high-quality meals while ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Monitor and record food temperatures and adhere to cleaning schedules.

Skills

Food Hygiene Knowledge

Catering Practices

Interpersonal Skills

Customer Care

Manual Dexterity

Education

Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene

Basic English and Maths Skills

Job description

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and committed individual to contribute to the award-winning Catering Services team at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

We are seeking enthusiastic, reliable, and self-motivated people to join our team for the safe production of over 17,000 meals per week within a Central Production Unit (CPU).

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to operate in a busy environment while maintaining impeccable hygiene standards, knowledge, and practices.

The successful candidate will have:

• A good knowledge of catering practices and procedures, gained in a similar hospital environment or the private catering sector.
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations.
• Good knowledge of ingredient recipes and associated allergens.
• Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene.

Main duties of the job

Assist the Food Production Supervisors with the preparation and cooking of nutritious and appetizing meals according to planned menus, using specified recipes and systems for cook chill.

Ensure high standards of food quality from purchase to meal service, including quality control processes.

Monitor and record temperatures of all meals/foodstuffs and storage equipment in line with standards and HACCP guidelines.

Assist with and adhere to cleaning schedules for premises and equipment.

Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.

About us

CDD Services / SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), established to deliver various non-clinical services. It is a separate legal entity from CDDFT.

Employees benefit from:

• Excellent Performance Related Bonus Scheme
• Access to a pension scheme (NEST) with contributions above the minimum
• Night Shift and Bank Holiday allowances where applicable

Bank work is offered on an 'as and when' basis, paid pro-rata for hours worked.

Job responsibilities

Support the Food Production Supervisor and Manager in producing high-quality meals, ensuring standards are met at all times.

Comply with HACCP procedures.

Follow policies and procedures for cost-effective, high-quality food production.

Adhere to food safety and allergen regulations.

Work collaboratively with the catering team to maintain high service standards for staff, visitors, and external contracts.

Handle customer complaints courteously and escalate as necessary.

Work safely to prevent risks to others.

Person Specification

Skills & Knowledge

• Enthusiastic and natural staff member
• Ability to follow instructions and provide feedback
• Commitment to customer care and service
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently following procedures
• Flexible and adaptable to change
• Good manual dexterity and physical fitness
• Good timekeeping
• Basic numeracy and literacy
• Knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations

Experience

• Experience in a kitchen environment
• Cook Chill experience (desirable)

Qualifications

• Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene
• Basic English and Maths skills
• COSSH (desirable)
• Health and safety awareness (desirable)

Special Requirements

• Flexibility to work shifts and weekends as needed

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check due to the nature of the work.

Salary: £23,874 per annum, pro-rata, interim salary.