Catering Assistant

NHS Scotland; Irvine; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is recruiting a Catering Assistant at Ayrshire Central Hospital. This permanent post works 29.60 hours per week, mainly in the Bramble Cafe, with occasional support for patient meal service.

The role forms part of the Catering Production & Services Team, focusing on food prep, delivery, and service for patients, staff and visitors. Desirable Barista experience and good communication skills are valued, with full training provided and mandatory corporate induction and

Qualifications

• Barista experience would be an advantage but full training will be given; good communication and practical skills are essential.
• You must attend a Corporate Induction program and undertake Mandatory and Statutory training.
• Sponsorship rights and right to work in the UK discussed during recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of catering production, delivery and service for patients, staff, visitors and functions.
• Work primarily in the café but may support patient meal service as required.
• Carry out wash-up and cleaning duties to maintain hygiene and service standards.
• Collaborate with the Catering Production & Services Team to ensure smooth operation.

Skills

Communication skills

Barista experience

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

NHS Scotland: NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who we are: NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful . You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way. To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net)

Position: An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Catering Assistant based at Ayrshire Central Hospital (within Bramble Cafe). This post is offered on a permanent basis .

Hours: 29.60 hours per week (08.30 - 15.00 Monday to Friday). From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.

What you will do:

You will work as part of the Catering Production & Services Team, assisting in all aspects of food preparation, delivery, service, wash-up cleaning duties relating to the provision of catering services to Patients, Staff, Visitors and for functions. This position is primarily based in our café but you may be asked on occasion to support the patient meal service. For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description.

Knowledge, training and/or experience required for this post:

Barista experience would be an advantage but full training will be given, you will have good communication, verbal or otherwise and practical skills are essential Desirable for current Food Hygiene Certificate, or essential to complete with the first 3 months of employment.

You must attend a Corporate Induction program and undertake Mandatory and Statutory training.

For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification. If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Ross Cameron at [e-mail].

Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack. It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form. NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part‑time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre‑employment checks. Please visit here for further information. We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.