Patient Catering Specialist

ROLE: Patient and Dining Specialist LOCATION: Flexible as this role is a mobile / Hybrid working rolePAY: Up to £60,000 PA (DOE) plus Car / Car Allowance 
Join our dynamic team, where we are committed to enhancing patient and resident dining experiences through innovation and excellence. As a leading provider in healthcare catering we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, cost-efficient dining solutions.
As a Patient Catering Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in the continued development and enhancement of our patient and resident dining propositions. You will be responsible for providing professional and technical advice, initiating industry-leading best practices, and identifying cost-efficient service methodologies. Your expertise will ensure we deliver best value for our business and clients.
This is a hybrid / mobile working role and will require travel to all of our UK sites therefore base location can be flexible in the UK.
Key Accountabilities:

• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including Support Functions, to provide technical advice on patient and resident dining.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives for service-related operations.
• Work with internal Dietitians, Culinary Directors, Chefs, Foodbuy, the Cuisine Centre, and external supply chain partners to procure products ethically and sustainably, ensuring cost-efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to purchase patient feeding products at economical prices through collaboration with Foodbuy and external supply chains.
• Produce and maintain optimal target operating models, covering both back and front of house labour models and cooking methodologies.
• Support HSE with HACCP and food safety compliance, addressing any required remedial actions.
• Assist the Business Development Team in developing bid methodology, scoping, and modelling solutions for new business and contract retention, including client presentations and new contract mobilization.
• Stay informed on industry-leading solutions, new technology, and innovations to maintain a competitive edge.
• Contribute to the business sector's Net Zero targets by helping reduce food waste from patient dining and other activities.
• Represent the business sector at professional forums such as the Healthcare Caterers Association and other accredited forums, sharing insights with internal stakeholders.

Complexity and Skills Required:

• Adaptability & Resilience: Demonstrate technical competence and the ability to lead and influence continuous improvement within complex healthcare environments.
• Influencing & Pragmatism: Quickly assess challenges and opportunities, provide pragmatic solutions, and influence direction.
• Flexibility: Willingness to travel across the UK as required.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial implications in decision-making.
• Report Production: Ability to produce detailed reports, statistics, and sales materials.
• Decision Making: Comfortable working with ambiguity and resolving complex challenges expediently.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional skills in managing and engaging with stakeholders.

Qualifications or Required Experience:

• Formal management or industry-recognised qualification.
• Proven experience in a similar role, supporting both operations and business development teams.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Medirest is the specialist healthcare operating company of Compass Group UK & Ireland, providing a full range of hotel services, including staff, patient and visitor catering, domestics, portering, security and reception, at over 130 NHS Trusts and private hospitals.

Job Reference: com/0506/73814001/52656133/SU

Compass Group UK&I wants everyone in our business to feel able to be themselves at work and to have an equal opportunity to progress their career. We want to create a culture where we respect and embrace everyone's talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities. Where our colleagues feel valued, can reach their full potential, and thrive - Diversity is Our Strength!