At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve meals and drinks to patients, ensuring excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Serco at University Hospital Southampton, making a real difference in patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that brightens patients' days and offers career growth.
- Qualifications: Good numeracy and literacy skills; experience in food service is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25272 - 25272 £ per year.
University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD
Salary: £25,272 per annum, pro rata plus Serco benefits.
Agenda for Change Band 2
- 3x Monday to Friday 13:30 to 20:00 = 30h per week
- 2x Monday to Friday 14:30 to 19:00 = 20h per week
- 1x Monday to Friday 15:00 to 19:00 = 17.5h per week
- 3x Monday to Friday 15:00 to 18:30 = 15h per week
Here at Serco, we are looking for Ward Hosts to join our team at University Hospital Southampton. Our Ward Hosts work as part of the Ward Patient Catering team, ensuring high quality hospitality service is provided.
Main Accountabilities:
You will be responsible for taking orders and delivering a meal and drinks service, providing excellent customer service and care to patients. Meals are ordered using an electronic ordering system, and then prepared by the hospital kitchens and sent down to each ward to be delivered by the team.
What you'll need to do the role:
- A good level of numeracy and literacy skills, including reading and writing.
- Ideally, you will have worked within a food service environment or catering industry and you must understand the importance of hygiene and safety and special diet awareness.
- Strong customer service skills are a key part of this role, not only will you be serving food and beverages to the patients, but you will be interacting with them on a day to day basis.
- This is a physically demanding role and the post holder will be expected to stand for long periods of time with manual handling involved.
Why Serco:
- Meaningful and vital work: Working within soft services at Serco means that you’ll play a critical role in ensuring that patients continue to receive the care they need 24/7.
- A world of opportunity: It takes a diverse team to support a hospital and we’re big on internal progression.
- Great people: Hospitals are busy places and your role will see you interact with NHS staff, patients, and of course your supportive team.
What we offer:
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Thrive App, Simply Health Plans, Annual Leave Purchase Scheme and more
- Access to a huge range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure and Hospitality discounts
- A fantastic culture and supportive team where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- Committed to professional and personal development with a wide range of training and coaching opportunities to expand your capabilities
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all.
We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview.
For support with your application, please contact us.
Ward Host in Shirley employer: Serco Group
Serco is an exceptional employer that prioritises the protection of data as a core value, ensuring trust and integrity in its operations across various critical public services. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including a company car or allowance, and a commitment to employee growth through flexible working arrangements, Serco fosters a collaborative work culture where every team member can influence strategic decisions and contribute to meaningful change. As a Disability Confident Leader and Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, Serco champions diversity and equal opportunities, making it an attractive workplace for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ward Host in Shirley
✨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 Serco Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Serco Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Serco Group 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 Ward Host in Shirley
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 Serco Group 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 Serco Group
✨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!
