Catering assistant

NHS; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare services provider in Gateshead is seeking a motivated individual for food preparation and service roles in a busy environment. Responsibilities include maintaining high food safety standards, collaborating with team members, and managing customer interactions. Experience in catering is preferred, as well as a commitment to hygiene and service excellence. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic healthcare setting with a focus on quality.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a large-scale catering organization.
• Knowledge of all regulatory and legislative requirements for food safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve food and drinks according to safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and equipment.
• Complete daily cleaning duties and audit records.

Skills

Basic numeracy and literacy skills

Personal organisation and time management

Constructive team working

Good customer service

Job description

Greet and serve patients, staff, and visitors promptly and courteously.

Handle customer queries and complaints professionally.

Food & Beverage Preparation

Prepare and serve hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals according to hygiene and safety standards.

Operate coffee machines and other kitchen equipment.

Process transactions accurately using a till or POS system.

Handle cash, card payments, and issue receipts.

Stock Management

Refill displays and fridges as needed.

Assist with stock rotation, deliveries, and inventory checks.

Cleaning & Hygiene

Maintain cleanliness of all work areas, including counters, tables, and kitchen equipment.

Follow food safety, infection control, and NHS hygiene regulations.

Teamwork & Communication

Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth operation.

Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.

Main duties of the job

• Food preparation following all food safety legislative and departmental practices.
• Complete daily cleaning duties according to cleaning schedules in line with C.O.S.H.H. regulations.
• Regular checking and completion of daily audit records (safety, cleaning, food hygiene).
• To be familiar with and assist in the security of the department and its contents.
• Report equipment defects to ensure remedial action is taken.
• Responds to requests for further/out of hours food requirements for patients and dining rooms.
• Service of food to customers within dining areas.
• Operation of electronic cash registers and handling of monies.

About us

QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England.

We provide a range of non- clinical services to GHNT and other NHS organisations. Our services include: estates, facilities services, procurement, medical engineering and devices, endoscopy decontamination and sterile services, transport, out-patient pharmacy, and prevention & management of violence & aggression training (PMVA).

In addition we provide consultancy services, advising clients on all aspects of establishing a subsidiary company within an NHS body to the provision of VAT compliance advice.

QE Facilities work to their own Terms and Conditions and these are not the same as Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Terms and Conditions. This is not an Agenda for Change Pay Rate.

We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement.

Job responsibilities

Food preparation following all food safety legislative and departmental practices.

Complete daily cleaning duties according to cleaning schedules in line with COSHH regulations.

Regular checking and completion of daily audit records (safety, cleaning, food hygiene).

To be familiar with and assist in the security of the department and its contents.

Report equipment defects to ensure remedial action is taken

Responds to requests for further/out of hours food requirements for patients and dining rooms.

Service of food to customers within dining areas.

Operation of electronic cash registers and handling of monies.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Basic numeracy and literacy skills

Experience

• Experience working in a large scale catering organisation

Knowledge

• Personal organisation and time management
• Constructive team working and participation including multi-disciplinary team relationships
• Ability to work as team or independently
• Patient and client interactions which portray a professional, supportive and caring service
• Knowledge of the application of all regulatory and legislative requirements required to ensure a Healthy & Safe environment including: HACCP; Safe Working; COSHH; Detailed Food Safety and Handling; Patient and Customer Care
• Cleaning procedures and protocols
• Food allergens knowledge to ensure customer safety
• Knowledge of food quality and service

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.