Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Catering Assistant

The closing date is 10 March 2026

Job summary

Role SummaryYou will act as a key member of the back of house catering team to assist the organisation inproviding patients, staff and visitors with high quality person centred and safe catering service. Youwill assist with the preparation of food and contributing to the operation and cleanliness of kitchensand associated equipment whilst supporting the production, portioning, distribution and services ofmeals and snacks. You will provide a high standard of service in accordance with the contractspecification as directed the line manager and ensure that all foods are produced and served in asafe and hygienic manner at all times.

o Decanting and preparation of food in accordance with portion control guidelines. The post holder may be required to use the kitchen equipment and machinery as required,including freezers, knives, floor scrubbing machines, food service trolley, and ovens. o Provide and maintain a high standard of customer care at all times whilst on duty. o Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene in accordance with company policy and theo Workload will be determined by daily requirements, and post-holder may be required to useinitiative in order to prioritise tasks and responsibilities.o Arrive in time for duty, adhering to Sodexo uniform requirements and clocking in prior to commencing your shift. Post holders are required to wear their identity badge with a currentphotograph on at all times.

Main duties of the job

Main Assignments of Roleo Ensuring food deliveries are picked and packed correctly in accordance with agreedpractices.o Ensure stock control and rotation procedures are maintained. Checking expiry dates onfood and disposing of any food exceeding use by date. Store goods correctly and use stockon a rotational basis.o Working in temperature-controlled environments (i.e. fridges, freezers) up to -18 degreesCelsius.o Maintain kitchen and working area cleanliness and hygiene.o Ensure a prompt removal of packaging and food waste to designated areas.o Follow all cleaning schedules as required.o Refer to COSHH data sheets where appropriate.Additional General Responsibilitieso While on duty staff are to wear only Sodexo uniformand tidy state at all times, you must always have a clean, spare tabard/ apron at work withyou in case of spillages.o At times you may be required to go and work in other catering areas to assist with the coverof annual leave and sickness.o At times post holders may be required to carry out reasonable additional duties connectedto their employment, as directed by their supervisor or line manager.o Ability to work as part of a team.o Good level of customer care.o Basic Food Hygiene Level 2 (desirable).o Experience of working in a catering environment (desirable).o Good understanding of health and safety and manual handling practices.

About us

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester is the largest health academic campus in Europe, a great place to start or grow your career. With 10 hospitals and a wide range of community services, we care for over 1 million people every year, and our team of over 30,000 people is at the heart of everything we do.

You'll be working alongside colleagues from all backgrounds, supporting people from every walk of life, and learning something new every day. We believe that everyone should feel welcome, respected, and valued at work. You can bring your whole self to MFT, knowing that your unique perspective and experiences are celebrated here.

You'll find that we're committed to helping you grow - whether you want to develop new skills, progress in your career, or simply make a difference in your community. We offer equal opportunities for everyone, and we'll support you with training, development, and a caring environment where your health, wellbeing, and safety matter.

Most importantly, you'll be part of a team where working together and supporting each other is everything. You'll make new friends, build strong relationships, and have a real voice in shaping the future of our Trust.At MFT we're All Here For You - every step of the way. Join us today.

Details

Date posted

24 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-SDX-7777498*

Job locations

Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road

Oxford Road Central Manchester Hospitals

Manchester

M13 9WL


Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guidethat sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.

As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guidethat sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.

As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to understand and carry out instructions.
  • Ability to listen and have good communication skills.
  • To act on own initiative & adapt quickly to change.
  • To work under pressure in a busy environment.
  • To maintain professionalism and demonstrate care and compassion with patients and other service users.

Desirable

  • Understanding of Health & Safety.
  • Understanding of Customer Care.
  • Understanding of Food Hygiene.
  • Basic Food Hygiene Level 2
  • Awareness of HACCP
  • Experience of working in a Catering Department.
  • Customer Care Training.
  • Manual Handling Training.
Person Specification

Essential

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to understand and carry out instructions.
  • Ability to listen and have good communication skills.
  • To act on own initiative & adapt quickly to change.
  • To work under pressure in a busy environment.
  • To maintain professionalism and demonstrate care and compassion with patients and other service users.

Desirable

  • Understanding of Health & Safety.
  • Understanding of Customer Care.
  • Understanding of Food Hygiene.
  • Basic Food Hygiene Level 2
  • Awareness of HACCP
  • Experience of working in a Catering Department.
  • Customer Care Training.
  • Manual Handling Training.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road

Oxford Road Central Manchester Hospitals

Manchester

M13 9WL


Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road

Oxford Road Central Manchester Hospitals

Manchester

M13 9WL


Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Resource coordinator

Beverley Ogrady

beverley.ogrady@sodexo.com

Details

Date posted

24 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-SDX-7777498*

Job locations

Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road

Oxford Road Central Manchester Hospitals

Manchester

M13 9WL


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)