Retail Catering Assistant – Leicester Royal Infirmary | NHS Jobs
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered.
If you’re looking for a part-time NHS job in Leicester, this Retail Catering Assistant position at Leicester Royal Infirmary could be worth checking out.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is recruiting a Retail Catering Assistant to support its busy restaurants and food outlets serving staff, patients and visitors.
Previous catering experience is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided.
JOB OVERVIEW
Job Title: Retail Catering Assistant – LRI
Employer: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Location: Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester
Salary: £25,272 per year pro rata
Pay Band: Band 2
Contract: Fixed term – 12 months
Working Pattern: Part-time
Date Posted: 31 August 2026
Closing Date: 17 September 2026
Reference: 358-8242539-E&F
CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP
Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.
Applicants should carefully check their eligibility for sponsorship and the current UK immigration requirements before applying.
The vacancy also notes that overseas Skilled Worker applicants may need to provide criminal record certificates for countries where they have lived for the required period.
Important: Sponsorship consideration is not a guarantee that sponsorship will be issued. Applicants should confirm their eligibility and the role’s sponsorship requirements with the employer.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Retail Catering Assistant will become part of the retail catering team, providing customer-focused services across restaurants and food outlets at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The role involves serving staff, patients and visitors while maintaining high standards of customer service, hygiene and food safety.
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good written and spoken English
- Ability to work in a busy and sometimes pressured environment
- Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Previous experience is helpful but not essential, because full training will be provided.
Barista knowledge is desirable.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Provide a high standard of customer service.
- Work within restaurants and food outlets.
- Prepare and serve beverages, snacks and meal items.
- Operate tills and handle cash accurately.
- Restock food and other goods.
- Carry out temperature checks and maintain accurate records.
- Undertake basic food preparation when required.
- Check foods for suitability for special diets.
- Maintain good hygiene practices.
- Wash crockery, cutlery and catering utensils.
- Use industrial dishwashing equipment where required.
- Carry out manual washing when necessary.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the work area.
- Complete cleaning duties according to prescribed work schedules.
- Follow Trust policies and procedures.
- Use materials, provisions and equipment correctly and economically.
- Report equipment defects, accidents and incidents to the Team Leader.
- Work safely in chilled and wet environments.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should be able to follow instructions and perform the duties outlined in the job description.
The successful candidate must also be willing to work towards:
- CIEH Level 2 Food Safety
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Support Services and Customer Care
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
The following would be advantageous:
- Previous healthcare environment experience
- Previous catering experience
- CIEH Level 2 Food Safety
- NVQ Level 2 in Support Services
- Customer care qualification
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Applicants should have:
- Effective communication skills when dealing with patients, staff and members of the public
- A good standard of written and spoken English
- The ability to work effectively in a busy environment
OTHER SKILLS REQUIRED
You should have:
- Numeracy skills for cash handling
- The ability to work as part of a team
- The ability to use your own initiative
- Flexibility in your approach to working practices
- The ability to meet deadlines safely
- A willingness to attend Trust induction and relevant training
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Trust expects staff to treat everyone with dignity and respect while recognising and responding appropriately to individual needs.
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to compassionate and inclusive working practices.
ABOUT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS OF LEICESTER NHS TRUST
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has a strategy covering 2023–2030, built around four primary goals:
- High-quality care for all
- Being a great place to work
- Partnerships for impact
- Research and education excellence
The Trust also places emphasis on health equality, compassion, inclusion and teamwork.
DBS CHECK
This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Applicants should take this requirement into consideration when applying.
WORKING PATTERN
This is a part-time, fixed-term position lasting 12 months.
The role offers flexibility through varied shift patterns, including weekend and flexible hours, depending on service requirements.
JOB LOCATION
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Infirmary Square
Leicester
LE1 5PW
United Kingdom
EMPLOYER
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should apply through the official NHS Jobs application system before the closing date.
Closing date: 17 September 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full vacancy details and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ROLE?
Contact: Retail Catering Senior Supervisor – Samantha Farnell
Email: Samantha.Farnell2@nhs.net
Telephone: 01162585234
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR JOB SEEKERS
This vacancy is published for informational purposes. Always verify the latest vacancy information, closing date, eligibility requirements and sponsorship position directly with the employer before applying.
Do not pay anyone for a Certificate of Sponsorship or for an NHS job application.