Catering Assistant

Sanctuary Care; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave pro rata

Sick pay linked to length of service

Contributory pension

CQC inspection bonus

Health and wellbeing support

Life insurance

Parental leave arrangements

Annual leave purchase scheme

Training and career development

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Discounts and salary sacrifice

Free uniform

Refer a Friend scheme

Job summary

Sanctuary Care is seeking a friendly Catering Assistant at Nunthorpe Oaks in Middlesbrough to support preparation and meal service for residents. You’ll work in a well-organised kitchen, helping to create a positive dining experience while following hygiene standards.

This on-site role offers opportunities for training and career development within a not-for-profit group that values its people and residents, with a supportive, inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Previous catering experience is preferred.
• Food hygiene certificate or willingness to work towards one.
• Clear communication and a flexible approach.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a care home setting.

Responsibilities

• Support the catering team with basic food preparation and meal service
• Present and serve meals to a high standard for residents
• Follow food hygiene and safety standards at all times
• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean, safe and welcoming
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support residents’ daily experience
• A caring, enthusiastic approach with a genuine interest in older people
• Good teamwork skills and a willingness to support colleagues
• An understanding of safe food handling and cleaning practices

Skills

Catering experience

Food hygiene knowledge

Food handling

Clear communication

Teamwork

Education

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

Catering Assistant

Nunthorpe Oaks, Middlesbrough - 114 Guisborough Road, Nunthorpe, Cleveland TS7 0JA

Cook up your career in care with a better work-life balance

We’re excited to welcome a Catering Assistant to support the preparation and serving of nutritious, well-presented meals at Nunthorpe Oaks in Middlesbrough - 114 Guisborough Road, Nunthorpe, Cleveland TS7 0JA, without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. Working as part of a friendly kitchen team, you’ll help create a positive dining experience for residents within a calm, well-organised environment.

We're proudlyInvestors in People Platinum accredited and not-for-profit, which means every penny we make goes straight back into our people and our homes. Whether you’ve already found your calling or you’re still discovering it, we’ll support you every step of the way. From your first day to your dream role, we’ll help you get there.

When you join Sanctuary Care, you’re joining an award-winning team where colleagues and residents truly matter. We’re proud winners of the 2025 Nursing Times Award for Care of Older People and the 2025 Care Home Awards Best for Training and Development, and Outstanding Larger Care Home Group.

Your role

• Support the catering team with basic food preparation and meal service
• Present and serve meals to a high standard for residents
• Follow food hygiene and safety standards at all times
• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean, safe and welcoming
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support residents’ daily experience
• A caring, enthusiastic approach with a genuine interest in older people
• Good teamwork skills and a willingness to support colleagues
• An understanding of safe food handling and cleaning practices
• Previous catering experience and a food hygiene certificate, or willingness to work towards one
• Clear communication skills and a flexible approach

Your rewards

You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 28 days’ annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension, we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your wellbeing, recognise your contribution, and help you build a rewarding career with Sanctuary:

• CQC inspection bonus
• Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements and annual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities, including our Team Leader Development Programme
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
• Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements
• Free uniform
• Refer a Friend scheme, rewarding you for helping great people join Sanctuary

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.

Before you apply

• We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.
• All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks where needed. Information provided during recruitment may be verified as part of these checks.
• Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account.
• We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent illegal working.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.