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Job summary

Main area
Catering
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 2
Contract
Permanent: 15 hours over 2 days
Hours
Part time - 15 hours per week (2 days ver 7 7:00-15:00)
Job ref
349-SDX-7778255*
Employer
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road
Town
Manchester
Salary
£24,465 per annum, pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
12/03/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust logo

Picking and Packing Assistant

NHS AfC: Band 2

Job overview

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

• 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. • Provide and maintain a high standard of customer care at all times whilst on duty. • Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene in accordance with company policy and the 
• Workload will be determined by daily requirements, and post-holder may be required to use 
initiative in order to prioritise tasks and responsibilities.• 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 current 
photograph on at all times. 

Main duties of the job

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

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Supporting Documents’ heading.   So that you’re even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, you’ll need to take time to read the ‘Candidate Essentials Guide’ that 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 you’ll 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, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU—for 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 application—especially personal statements and responses to role-specific questions—is 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

Qualifications

Desirable criteria
  • Basic Food Hygiene Level 2
  • Awareness of HACCP
  • Customer Care Training
  • Manual Handling Training.

Experience

Desirable criteria
  • Experience of working in a Catering Department.

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to understand and carry out instructions.
  • Ability to listen and have good communication skills
Desirable criteria
  • Understanding of Health & Safety.
  • Understanding of Customer Care
  • Understanding of Food Hygiene

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareApprenticeships logoArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardDisability confident employerStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Beverley Ogrady
Job title
Resource coordinator
Email address
[email protected]
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