Job Description

Job Advert

Kitchen Porter - Permanent - 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday - Oaks Hospital, Colchester

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who will make a positive impact on our catering team and contribute to the experience of our patients, visitors and staff. The successful candidate will be hardworking, dependable, take pride in maintaining high standards, and be committed to supporting colleagues to deliver an exceptional service every day.

What You'll Do

The Kitchen Porter plays a vital role in supporting the Catering Team to deliver a high-quality food service for patients, staff and visitors at Oaks Hospital. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the kitchen and restaurant areas, ensuring crockery and equipment are available across the hospital, and supporting the chefs in the smooth day-to-day operation of the catering service. This is an important hands-on role requiring excellent customer service, a positive attitude, and a willingness to help wherever needed to ensure the best possible experience for patients, visitors and colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen & Restaurant Support

• Wash pots, pans, utensils, crockery and kitchen equipment using appropriate cleaning methods.

• Ensure all kitchen, food preparation and storage areas are kept clean, tidy and hygienic at all times.

• Clean and maintain the staff restaurant and dining areas, including clearing and cleaning tables.

• Assist with waste disposal and recycling in accordance with hospital policies.

• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness in line with food safety regulations.

Hospital Catering Support

• Collect used crockery, cutlery and catering items from hospital departments throughout the day.

• Deliver clean crockery, cutlery and kitchen equipment to departments to support patient and staff services.

• Work closely with wards, departments and clinical teams to ensure catering requirements are met.

• Fill, clean and maintain coffee machines located around the hospital.

• Clean and empty water coolers in designated areas.

Team Support

• Support the chefs and catering team with day-to-day operational requirements.

• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries when required.

• Help ensure the kitchen is appropriately stocked with clean equipment and utensils.

• Support the team during busy periods and contribute to maintaining an efficlient service.

Customer Service

• Provide a friendly, professional and helpful service to patients, visitors and colleagues.

• Build positive working relationships with departments across the hospital.

• Respond positively to requests and demonstrate a flexible approach to work.

• Act as an ambassador for Oaks Hospital by delivering excellent customer service at all times.

Skills Required From You

Essential

• Positive, enthusiastic and reliable attitude.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a busy environment.

• Good understanding of cleanliness and hygiene standards.

• Ability to work independently and use initiative.

• Willingness to support colleagues and other departments.

• A "can-do" attitude with a flexible approach to work.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a kitchen, catering or hospitality environment.

• Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to undertake training).

• Experience working in a healthcare environment.

About us

Ramsay Health Care UK is a well-established global hospital group with over 50 years’ experience. We are a global provider operating in 11 countries with 77,000 staff who treat 8 million patients each year. It is well respected within the healthcare industry and is one of the leading providers of independent hospital services in England. We are well known for our strong, long-standing relationship with the NHS. We love people with a positive, “can do” attitude who want to make a difference in their work. "Our employees are Ramsay." The skills and commitment of our employees forms the basis for our success. We know our people are our greatest asset, our business is growing and we would like you to join us. “The Ramsay Way” culture recognises that people – staff and doctors – are Ramsay Health Care’s most important asset and this has been key to our ongoing success.

We are proud of our ‘Speak Up for Safety’ programme and ensure that the patient is at the heart of everything we do. Join us and have more ‘Time to Care’.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. This position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

We value your application and welcome any questions you may have prior to applying. Please be advised that we reserve the right to close our advertisements prior to the announced closing date to ensure a quality recruitment process. The Oaks Hospital is committed to quality, equality and opportunity for all.

We care. It’s more than what we do, it’s who we are. Everything we do is about striving to deliver the best care. And it's a belief that's as true today as it was when we welcomed our first patients in 1964. “The Ramsay Way” culture recognises that our people are our most important asset and this has been key to our ongoing success.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. This position is subject to background and DBS checks.

We are proud to support the UK’s Armed Forces and Reservists and have already achieved the Silver Award as part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme recognises employers who actively support Defence while encouraging other organisations to adopt the same behaviours in their workplace. As a company we are committed to supporting the wider Armed Forces community and this includes our staff as well as our patients.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people at risk. We expect all employees to share this commitment and behave in a way that supports it. All successful candidates will be provided with safeguarding training appropriate to their role.