Catering Assistant

Mitie Group plc.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Mitie Group plc seeks a catering assistant at University College Hospital in London. You will support hospital catering by serving meals, beverages and items to patients and staff, while ensuring food safety standards and high service quality.

This role requires teamwork, good communication, and the ability to work to strict schedules in a busy healthcare environment. Full time permanent contract, 37.5 hours per week, with a focus on accuracy and patient comfort.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food hygiene procedures and safe food handling practices.
• Understanding of customer service principles and patient-focused care.
• Attention to detail to ensure meals are prepared, presented and delivered accurately.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to listen and communicate effectively.
• Physical fitness and ability to undertake manual handling activities.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team or under your own initiative.
• Ability to respect patient confidentiality at all times.

Responsibilities

• Be in your designated place of work from the shift start to end and maintain catering services.
• Follow planned work schedules and adjust to meet operational demands.
• Serve meals and beverages to patients according to dietary requirements and meal service schedules.
• Assist with preparation of beverages, sandwiches, salads, snacks and other food items.
• Deliver meals, refreshments and catering supplies to wards and hospital locations.
• Maintain food service standards and ensure meals are presented professionally.
• Clean, wash and safely store crockery, cutlery, trays and equipment.
• Operate dishwashing and pot-washing equipment safely.
• Maintain catering areas and hygiene; safely dispose of waste.
• Report maintenance issues to supervisor; flag food safety concerns promptly.
• Adhere to health & safety, COSHH and fire safety procedures.
• Maintain records as required by procedures and legislation.
• Participate in training, meetings or development activities as required.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Teamwork

Food safety

Food hygiene

Verbal communication

Written communication

Manual handling

Education

Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate

Food Allergy Awareness Training

Job description

Job Title: Catering AssistantSalary: £26,000 to £27,000Contract Type: PermanentType of Employment: Full TimeTotal Weekly Contractual Hours: 37.5Location: University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road , London, Greater London, England NW1 2BU

The catering department is a vital part of a hospital's daily operations. It is responsible for providing safe, nutritious meals and beverages to patients, staff and visitors while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and customer service.

This position supports the catering service with professional and experienced staff to ensure food safety standards are maintained, meals are delivered accurately and on time, patient satisfaction is achieved, and service level agreements are met and delivered in accordance with Trust and Mitie requirements.

Main Duties

• Be in your designated place of work from the agreed shift start time to the agreed shift end time and maintain catering services throughout your designated area.
• Follow planned work schedules and make flexible adjustments as required to meet operational demands.
• Serve meals and beverages to patients in accordance with dietary requirements and meal service schedules.
• Assist with the preparation of beverages, sandwiches, salads, snacks and other food items as required.
• Deliver meals, refreshments and catering supplies to wards and other hospital locations as directed.
• Maintain food service standards and ensure meals are presented and served in a professional manner.
• Clean, wash and safely store crockery, cutlery, trays, utensils and catering equipment.
• Operate dishwashing and pot-washing equipment safely and effectively.
• Clean catering areas, kitchens, food preparation areas, ward pantries and associated service areas.
• Participate in the safe and hygienic disposal of food waste, general waste and recyclable materials in accordance with local procedures.
• Report maintenance issues, equipment faults or mechanical defects to a supervisor or management team.
• Report sightings of pests or any food safety concerns immediately.
• Adhere strictly to all food safety, infection prevention, health and safety, COSHH and fire safety procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, ISO standards, Infection Prevention and Control requirements and COSHH regulations while undertaking duties.
• Maintain accurate records as required by company procedures, legislation and best practice.
• Participate in any training, meetings or development activities required to undertake the duties of the post.
• Maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene and appearance in line with Mitie's Uniform and Hygiene Policy.
• Adhere to Mitie's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Bullying and Harassment Procedures.
• Demonstrate a clear and effective alignment with the operational objectives and commercial interests of Mitie.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade as required to support the efficient operation of the catering service.

Previous experience in catering, hospitality, food service or a healthcare environment is desirable.

• Knowledge of food hygiene procedures and safe food handling practices.
• Understanding of customer service principles and patient-focused care.
• Attention to detail to ensure meals are prepared, presented and delivered accurately.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to listen and communicate effectively.
• Physical fitness and ability to undertake manual handling activities.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team or under your own initiative.
• Ability to respect patient confidentiality at all times.
• Flexible approach to work and changing service requirements.
• Ability to follow instructions and work to tight time constraints.
• Good time management skills.
• Understanding of food allergen awareness and food safety requirements.

Qualifications & Training

Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate

• Food Allergy Awareness Training or willingness to undertake training.
• Previous experience in a similar catering role.