Assistant Duty Manager

Job summary To assist and lead in the delivery of a quality patient food service achieving the highest possible standards for patients, visitors and staff at all times working in accordance with departmental Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) procedures and current food safety legislation. Responsible for the standards of food hygiene and cleanliness and hours worked in their areas of responsibility by adhering to the allocation of levels of labour and other costs, including the management of working rosters and food wastage. The post holder will need to be fully aware of the Trust's Values & Behaviours initiative and act accordingly. Main duties of the job To oversee all catering related duties and be the focus for all food services provided to patients in the ward areas. To ensure that food and beverage services are provided according to agreed procedures and schedules within designated areas, assisting with catering duties along with the team. To ensure that the cleaning of food preparation and food service areas is undertaken appropriately and checked. Maintain efficient and accurate records and carry out food safety, allergen and cleaning audits in line with the operational procedures. Inform the catering staff of the outcome of audits and agree action plans ensuring action is taken if necessary. To promote a safe working environment within Catering, ensuring the safe use and storage of all foodstuffs, equipment and materials. Ensure that sufficient stock levels of cleaning materials, equipment and provisions are maintained. Undertake regular stocktakes and prepare re-order schedules as necessary. Ensure that staff are using chemicals correctly as stipulated by Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) and that all cleaning cupboards are clean, tidy and locked at all times. To report any defects in catering/cleaning equipment to the Duty Manager. Ensure that each food production and food service area has an up-to-date cleaning schedule and work statement. See Job Description and Personal Specification for more details About us At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx. Candidate Information Pack https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/ Details Date posted: 01 December 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 3 Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Part-time Reference number: 279-7572721-DEC25 Job locations: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE Job responsibilities Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules ... Ensure that Patient Catering Assistants respect the privacy and dignity of patients whilst carrying out food and beverage duties. To report any accidents/incidents as soon as they occur, supporting appropriate investigations and implement preventative action plans. Ensure that all staff observe the food hygiene and safety regulations at all times maintaining a high standard of service is provided. To report any mechanical defects/building fabric throughout the Ward/Department to the appropriate Trust department. Ensure that catering and ward areas are safe and tidy at all times e.g. the removal of clutter, ensuring that equipment and waste is stored safely. To check all areas within designated responsibility throughout the course of the day and at the end of each shift to ensure performance standards have been met. Escalate any concerns to the Duty Manager/Senior Duty Manager. To highlight any additional staff training needs to the Duty/Senior Duty Manager to arrange for adequate training to be provided. Undertake daily ward visits at all mealtimes to ensure that patient choice and service standards are maintained at all times in line with PLACE. Monitor the issue of meals to all wards and departments to control waste. Ensure the correct disposal of domestic, recycling and food waste as per Trust/HACCP policy. See Job Description and Personal Specification for more details. Person Specification Experience and Qualifications (Essential) A good level of general education, numeracy and literacy required acquired through NVQ L3 or equivalent experience. A good standard of English is essential for effective communication and understanding Level 2 Food Safety Award is essential Desirable Significant experience of working in a Hospital environment providing catering services. Previous experience of managing a Team of Catering Staff. Knowledge of Industrial type cleaning equipment. Knowledge of COSHH, hygiene standards and infection control within the workplace Understanding of food safety/HACCP requirements. Level 3 Food Safety Award is Desirable Essential Skills Ability to communicate at all levels i.e with colleagues and managers, other departmental staff, patients, visitors and stakeholders Ability to praise and be supportive to others and lead Ability to follow instructions, carry out procedures and adhere to Policies and Procedures Prioritisation of own and others tasks with the Trust policies and procedures. Analyse and resolve staff performance problems, resolve staff shortages Desirable Skills Able to use a range of Microsoft Office Programmes People Management and Development (Essential) Ability to encourage others to develop themselves and the service through Improvement, innovation and continuous development Ability to challenge poor behaviour and to performance manage when required Ability to carry out Performance reviews and work with individual staff to compile and implement development plans Ability to supervise a large team. Ability to demonstrate leadership and direction Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (Essential) Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). 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 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab) #J-18808-Ljbffr