Patient Catering Supervisor

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and motivated Patient Catering Supervisor to join our Catering Team at Newham University Hospital. This is a busy, hands-on supervisory role supporting the day-to-day delivery of patient catering services across the hospital. You will provide leadership and support to the catering team, ensuring staffing and resources are effectively managed and that patients receive a safe, efficient and high-quality catering service. Working closely with the Patient Catering Service Delivery Manager and wider Facilities and clinical teams, you will help maintain high standards of food safety, patient experience and operational performance.

Main duties of the job

• Supervise and support catering staff across front-of-house and distribution services, ensuring appropriate staffing and allocation of duties.
• Manage day-to-day staffing requirements, including rostering, absence monitoring and responding to changes in service demand.
• Ensure the efficient operation of catering services, including food service, preparation, distribution and waste management.
• Maintain compliance with NHS food safety standards, HACCP, food hygiene and health & safety requirements.
• Ensure effective allergen management and compliance with dietary requirements, including cultural and medical needs.
• Support staff training, development, performance and absence management.
• Monitor stock levels, procurement, inventory and waste to support an efficient and cost-effective service.
• Support HealthRoster functions and effective workforce planning.
• Conduct and support audits and risk assessments, maintaining an audit-ready environment.
• Monitor service standards and support improvements where required.
• Respond effectively to operational issues and complaints, escalating concerns appropriately.
• Work collaboratively with clinical teams and other departments to ensure patients' dietary needs and preferences are met.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Essential criteria

• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate.
• Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to Catering or Facilities Management.
• Previous experience in a catering supervisory or management role, preferably within healthcare or the public sector.
• Experience of stock control, inventory management and supplier liaison.
• Relevant catering industry experience.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP and COSHH.
• Experience of kitchen compliance audits and risk assessments.
• Budget management experience, including cost control and resource allocation.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Good problem-solving, planning and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-focused approach.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to service requirements. Desirable criteria A relevant qualification in Catering, Hospitality or Facilities Management, allergen management training and previous NHS or healthcare catering experience would be advantageous. Experience of catering systems for menu planning and stock management would also be beneficial.

Working environment: This is an active operational role involving regular movement across the hospital and working within both office and catering environments. The successful candidate will need to manage competing priorities, respond to staffing and operational changes and remain calm and professional during busy periods. Join us: If you are passionate about patient catering, enjoy leading and supporting teams and are committed to delivering a safe, efficient and high-quality service, we would welcome your application to join the Patient Catering Team at Newham University Hospital.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.