Retail/Host Relief

Healthy outcomes start with positive patient experiences.

• 24 Hours / various days early/late
• £12.92 per hour
• Location is Colchester Hospital

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is: CO4 5JL

Please take the time to read the attached job description

Job Introduction

We are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic Retail/Host Relief to join our dedicated catering team at Colchester Hospital. You’ll help deliver an excellent food service within the digital Kitchen Works Restaurant, serving Trust colleagues, visitors and patients. As an ambassador for the restaurant, you’ll play an important role in creating a welcoming, clean and hygienic environment while providing a high standard of customer care.

What you’ll do:

• Prepare and build meals to customer specifications, following portion-control guidance, cooking instructions and build cards.
• Deliver friendly and professional service to colleagues, visitors and patients.
• Use digital screens and catering IT systems, with full training provided.
• Operate catering equipment, including dishwashers, microwaves, hot-hold units, fryers and ovens.
• Serve customers, operate the cash register and maintain the security of money within the retail outlet.
• Monitor and record food temperatures accurately.
• Restock products and follow appropriate stock-rotation procedures.
• Support stocktaking, ordering and hospitality functions when required.
• Clear tables and maintain a clean, safe and hygienic dining environment.
• Complete routine cleaning duties and use cleaning materials and equipment safely in line with COSHH requirements.
• Work flexibly across different areas of the retail kitchen to support the wider team during busy service periods.
• Follow food safety, infection control, health and safety, confidentiality and PPE requirements.
• Attend team meetings and complete all required company and Trust training.
• Support the induction of new starters through the buddy programme.
• Promote a Zero Harm Mindset and report any safety concerns, accidents or near misses.

What you bring:

Essential

• Previous experience within a catering environment, such as working as a chef, cook or kitchen assistant.
• The ability to communicate confidently and professionally with people at all levels.
• A strong customer-service approach and willingness to assist patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Awareness of food safety and health and safety requirements.
• The ability to follow service standards, policies and procedures.
• High standards of personal hygiene.
• A positive, flexible and team-focused approach.
• The ability to remain organised and professional during busy trading periods.
• A willingness to complete any training required for the role.

Desirable

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Level 2 Catering qualification.
• NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service.

What we offer:

Working at Sodexo isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to make a difference every day. You'll be part of a supportive team, act with purpose, and thrive in a role where your work matters. We also offer a range of benefits to support you and your loved ones:

• Mental health and wellbeing resources
• Employee Assistance Programme (including financial/legal advice & personal support)
• Free health & wellbeing app with 24/7 virtual GP access
• Discounts on high street brands for you and your family
• Salary finance tools and financial wellbeing resources
• Retirement savings plan and life insurance
• Full training and protective uniform provided.
• Opportunities to gain experience through learning and development.
• Cycle to Work scheme & volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible working and a dynamic team environment
• Competitive pay

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply now and bring your energy, purpose, and passion to Sodexo.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications — so don’t wait!

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.

Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

File Downloads

• UK Rewards and Benefits Guide. 2025.pdf
• Retail Catering Assissants Job Description.pdf