Job overview
The West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust requires Catering Assistants to join a dedicated Catering Team based at West Suffolk Hospital to produce a plated meal service on a belted system.
The Catering Department opens 365 days a year therefore we are looking for individuals who can work the following hours:
- hours per day between 7am-9pm including alternate weekends.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate good customer care and have good communication skills, with the ability to work alone and as part of a team, whilst maintaining a high level of attention to detail. The ability to remain calm under pressure is vital in this busy working environment.
A basic knowledge of hygiene principles and literacy/numeracy skills will be essential for this role.
Main duties of the job
The Team consists of people who work together to plate up the meals which are then transported to the patients on the wards. They are then required to clear down the trollies and equipment ready for the next service. Other jobs include making sandwiches and deliveries to wards, serving staff and visitors in our dining room and café.
As a department we are regarded as an exemplar site which was recognised in The National Food Review. We have won awards for the standard of food and service that we provide.
Additional payments in the form of Enhancements for working weekends and unsocial hours payments are made when worked.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see full job description and person specification attached for more details on job role and responsibilities.
Person specification
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Able to work without supervision.
- Able to work in a demanding environment.
- Self-motivated with evidence of good attendance and timekeeping and trustworthy.
- Adaptable to change.
- Able to work in a Hospital ward environment
- Polite with a friendly manner.
- Flexible approach to working hours/duties.
Desirable
- Interest in cooking/catering
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Good customer care and communication skills
- Able to work either alone or as part of a team
- Good manual dexterity, physical fitness and good eyesight
- Good attention to detail
- Able to work under pressure
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Good understanding of HACCP, COSSH and Health and Safety legislation
- Dealing with cash and card payments
Desirable
- Previous catering experience
Education & Qualification
Essential
- Basic food hygiene certificate or commitment to achieve within a set timeframe
- A good general education
- Basic skills in literacy & numeracy
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 2 Hospital Porter roles in Bury St Edmunds
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Catering Support with West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in Bury St Edmunds, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Estates and facilities role. The advertised salary is £25,272 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 28 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 (14 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.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.