Catering Assistant in Harlow

Catering Assistant in Harlow

Harlow Full-Time 23970 - 25674 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to assist in food preparation, cleaning, and serving in a vibrant hospital environment.
  • Company: Be part of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, dedicated to compassionate care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, development opportunities, and a focus on wellbeing.
  • Other info: Work in a supportive team with a strong commitment to health and safety.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in healthcare.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

The predicted salary is between 23970 - 25674 £ per year.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to have one of only a few Fresh Cook Kitchens left in a hospital in the country with a 5 star food hygiene rating. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Main duties of the job:

  • General cleaning of all areas.
  • Work in accordance with rota and daily schedules.
  • Ensure high standards of personal hygiene.
  • Assist in other areas as required by service needs.
  • Maintain high standards of food safety legislation at all times.
  • Maintain HACCP records.
  • Replenish and restock areas as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

  • General cleaning of the entire catering department and associated areas, keeping the department clean and safe and compliant with the current legislation.
  • Serving in the restaurant, preparing and delivering hospitality requests.
  • Operating and supervising till operations.
  • Assisting the chefs and retail team with the preparation, production and service of meals for both patients, visitors and staff members if required.
  • Follow set rota pattern of working days with the flexibility to work a shift pattern starting from 6 am and finishing at 9 pm, working 5 days out of 7 as per roster.
  • Ensure the practice of good hygiene and health and safety.
  • Replenishment of all areas of the restaurant as required, ensuring date rotation is followed.
  • Keeping the department clean and safe by thinking on your feet and cleaning up spills.
  • Collection and removal of waste within the department.
  • To attend food safety training and allergen training prior to commencing work and to update regularly as requested, to keep up to date with all mandatory training as required by the trust.
  • To ensure the department is secure at the end of day when working the late shift.
  • To deliver items to wards and departments as requested.
  • To ensure that all jobs are completed in a timely manner so as not to impact on services.
  • Carry out temperature testing and recording for food items.
  • Reporting of all maintenance issues to keep yourself and colleagues safe at all times.

Catering Assistant in Harlow employer: Princess Alexandra Hospital

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With flexible working options and a commitment to high-quality care, staff can thrive in their roles while contributing to the health of the West Essex community. Join us in our Fresh Cook Kitchen, where you will be part of a team that values hygiene, safety, and teamwork, all within a vibrant hospital setting.

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Contact Details:

Princess Alexandra Hospital Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Harlow

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Princess Alexandra Hospital. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Princess Alexandra Hospital

Don't be shy about reaching out to Princess Alexandra Hospital directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Harlow

General Cleaning
Food Safety Compliance
HACCP Knowledge
Personal Hygiene Standards
Teamwork
Customer Service Skills
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Princess Alexandra Hospital and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Princess Alexandra Hospital

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!