Job overview
A vacancy has arisen for a motivated person to join the “Cold Prep Section” in the Catering department at University Hospitals Dorset.
This is a very demanding job and requires a good level of physical fitness, flexibility, and good organisational skills.
You should be able to work with minimal supervision on your own initiative in this busy location.
Duties include, making sandwiches, salads, baguettes, Panini’s and salad bar preparation. In addition, some general cleaning is required and a possibility of helping on the patient production line.
Due to working in the cold room, cold weather clothing will be provided including:
Boots , socks, thermal garments, snoods and sweatshirts as required.
Please note: this role is part time for 18.6 hours per week working 4 days on and 2 off over a 6 week rota.
Base Location: Poole Hospital
Interview Date: 28th July 2026
Please note if you previously applied and were not successful we will not be able to reconsider your application within 3 months.
Main duties of the job
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Good general understanding of food safety regulations
Experience
Essential
- Prior Work Experience within Catering Industry
- Prior Experience in food handling
Desirable
- Previous Cold/Prep Room experience
Other skills
Essential
- Willingness to be flexible in your working hours and able to work on weekends.
- Able to work as part of a team and mix with other members of staff
Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of Education (GCSE’s Grade D or above)
- Basic Food Hygiene
Desirable
- Aware of relevant trg upgrades E.G. Allergen info
Personal Skills
Essential
- Ability to identify opportunities for improvements within your area of responsibility
- Openness to change and ability to respond to this to improve performance
- Be able to work in a cold environment
Desirable
- Proven reliability
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Catering Assistant - Cold Room - (Part time) with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust in Poole, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Estates and facilities role. The advertised salary is £25,272 pa (pro rata if part time). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 21 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (07 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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