Retail Catering Assistant - Relief

Equans Working with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider is seeking a Relief Catering Assistant to join their Catering Team in Portsmouth. The role involves providing high-quality food service, cleaning duties, and food preparation. Ideal candidates should have experience in food service and strong customer care skills. The position offers 25 days annual leave, weekend enhancements, and participation in the NHS Pension Scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave rising to 27 days

Weekend and bank holiday enhancements

Membership of NHS Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working in a busy food service environment.
• Customer care skills and team player attitude.
• Knowledge of allergen and food labelling legislation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide cover for annual leave and other absences.
• Serve customers with food and beverages to a high standard.
• Perform cleaning of restaurant and cafe, including equipment.
• Participate in food preparation and till work.

Job description

Retail Catering Assistant - Relief

Closing date: 23 November 2025

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic, friendly person to join the Catering Team as a Relief Catering Assistant working in B Level Restaurant and E Level Cafe.

Applicants will be required to carry out a variety of jobs including the following duties:

• Provide cover for annual leave and other absences
• Serve customers with food and beverages to a high standard
• Mechanical and hand washing
• Cleaning of B Level Restaurant, E Level Cafe and equipment in both areas
• Till work
• Functions
• Food preparation
• Barista
• Once trained to work in other areas of the Catering Department as required

Ideally, applicants will have some experience working in a busy food service environment and be a team player, have a calm disposition and great customer care skills. Knowledge of allergen and food labelling legislation is desirable.

We can offer straight shifts, 25 days annual leave rising to 27 days, weekend and bank holiday enhancements and membership of the NHS Pension Scheme.

IN LINE WITH TRUST GUIDELINES THIS POST REQUIRES CANDIDATES TO PROVIDE 5 YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT AND/OR PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES.

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust have adopted a smoke‑free policy. You are unable to smoke anywhere on the hospital site.

The Trust is committed to valuing the benefits of diversity in its staff and committed to quality opportunities.

About us

Equans working in partnership with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. The Trust is committed to driving excellence in care for our patients and communities. The Trust provides comprehensive secondary care and specialist services to a local population of 675,000 people across South East Hampshire. The Trust employs over 8,000 staff.

Main duties of the job

Applicants will be required to carry out a variety of jobs including the following duties:

• Provide cover for annual leave and other absences
• Serve customers with food and beverages to high standards
• Mechanical and hand washing
• Cleaning of B Level Restaurant, E Level Cafe and equipment in both areas
• Till work
• Functions
• Food preparation
• Barista
• Once trained to work in other areas of the Catering Department as required

Job responsibilities

The catering service is provided as part of the wider Estates & Facilities Directorate. The Retail Assistant works as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, delivering a high‑standard of catering. Staff must be flexible, adaptable and work to support a clean and safe food service.

KEY RESULT AREAS

Responsible for providing a high‑quality food service in line with local operational procedures and work schedules. Communicate information relating to food service to customers both verbally and by telephone. Notify management on any discrepancies from receipt and distribution of catering supplies. Demonstrate duties to new starters. Organise own day‑to‑day work tasks or activities.

Report faults and failures of electrical equipment, manage pulling light furniture for general cleaning, use COSHH controls, report accidents and ensure safe disposal of waste per NHS policy. Maintain adequate stocks of food provisions and consumables, manage temperature records and complete cleaning schedules accurately.

Ensure safe cash handling, dismantle and reassemble equipment, perform manual washing of catering utensils, maintain environmental cleaning, serve food with good portion control, prepare basic foods, organise function delivery across the hospital site, maintain high hygiene standards and HACCP guidelines.

Provide relief cover for break times, annual leave and sickness. Work with Department in Performance and Development Reviews, maintain confidentiality and comply with NHS policies and procedures. Demonstrate courteous behaviour, log shift timings and handle any additional duties as requested.

Person Specification

Experience

• Work as part of a team or on own initiative
• Follow instructions and respond constructively to unpredictable situations
• Stay calm, focused and cope with work under pressure
• Be flexible and adaptable
• Have knowledge of Health & Safety

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications are necessary, but a Food Safety Certificate would be desirable
• Food Safety Certificate

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Equans Working with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust