General Catering Assistant

Job overview

To prepare and serve food to a high standard for distribution across the hospital, ensuring it meets user expectations and responds to the needs of patients, visitors, and staff through consistently excellent customer service. The post holder will work across various areas within the department and maintain high standards of hygiene and presentation at all times. They will support Supervisors and Managers by ensuring all preparation and kitchen areas remain clean, tidy, and well‑organised. The role also includes ensuring that staff, equipment, and food resources are used efficiently and cost‑effectively to support the overall delivery of the service.

Main duties of the job

Main duties include assisting with basic food preparation such as baguettes, sandwiches, salads, fruit and vegetables, beverages, and other tasks as directed by the Catering Manager. The post holder will also serve customers politely and professionally at all times, ensuring a positive experience within the catering department and responding to the needs of patients, visitors, and staff through excellent customer service.

Responsibilities also include replenishing and monitoring stock on shelves, ensuring timely re‑ordering through the correct procedures. The post holder will operate cash registers and manage cash takings in line with departmental guidelines. They will clean equipment and work areas—including storage spaces and temperature‑controlled areas—in accordance with HACCP guidance and with full understanding of COSHH requirements. They will also monitor and replenish cleaning materials, portable cleaning equipment, and disposables, ensuring stock levels remain adequate and reordering when required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Assist with basic food preparation, including baguettes, sandwiches, salads, fruit and vegetables, beverages, and other tasks as directed by the Catering Manager. Provide polite, professional customer service at all times to ensure a positive experience for patients, visitors, and staff.

Replenish and monitor stock on shelves, ensuring timely re‑ordering through the correct procedures. Operate cash registers and manage cash takings in line with departmental guidelines.

Participate in daily cleaning duties according to the departmental cleaning schedule. Clean equipment, storage areas, and temperature‑controlled spaces in line with HACCP guidance and with full awareness of COSHH requirements.

Monitor kitchen areas for signs of pest activity and report any concerns to the Catering Manager so appropriate action can be taken. Ensure all food waste is disposed of using the food waste machine and that other waste is compacted and disposed of correctly.

Please refer to the full job description for further details.