About this role
Job summary
Responsible for the line management and training of the housekeeping staff in the provision of the Food and Beverage Services on the wards at the Princess Alexandra Hospital whilst adhering to and maintaining the required high standards within food safety and allergen awareness guidelines and legislations.
Flexibility in this role is essential as the requirement to change shifts will be required to support annual leave and sickness cover within the supervisory team.
Please note this advert may close early due to sufficient applications being received.
Main duties of the job
As a Housekeeping Supervisor, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality housekeeping, food and beverage services across The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. You will be responsible for supervising and supporting housekeeping staff, ensuring patients receive a safe, efficient and professional service that contributes positively to their overall care experience.
The successful candidate will oversee daily operations, coordinate staffing levels, deliver training and induction programmes, monitor service standards and ensure compliance with health and safety, food hygiene, allergen awareness and infection prevention requirements. Working closely with ward teams and departmental managers, you will help maintain excellent standards while promoting the Trust's values of putting patients at the heart of everything we do, striving for everyday excellence and embracing creative collaboration.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Housekeeping Supervisor is responsible for supporting the effective day-to-day management of housekeeping services, ensuring patients receive a high standard of food, beverage and housekeeping support throughout their hospital stay. The post holder will supervise housekeeping staff, provide leadership and guidance, and ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
Key responsibilities include coordinating staff rotas, allocating work, supporting absence management processes and ensuring adequate staffing levels are maintained to meet service requirements. The post holder will assist with staff development through local induction programmes, on-the-job training, refresher training and performance appraisals, helping to create a skilled and motivated workforce.
The successful candidate will monitor the quality and presentation of food and beverages provided to patients, ensuring nutritional and dietary requirements are met, including the management of special diets and allergen awareness responsibilities. They will work closely with ward teams to ensure stock levels are maintained, deliveries are checked and stored correctly, and ward service areas remain clean, organised and compliant with required standards.
The role involves carrying out regular quality inspections, monitoring housekeeping standards and ensuring cleaning materials and equipment are used safely and effectively. The post holder will be responsible for promoting safe working practices, compliance with Health and Safety legislation, COSHH regulations, fire safety requirements and Trust policies. They will also ensure waste is segregated correctly and that any equipment faults, incidents, accidents or near misses are reported appropriately through Trust reporting systems.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Facilities, Catering and Clinical Services, the Housekeeping Supervisor will build strong working relationships with ward managers, department leads and members of the multidisciplinary team. The post holder will contribute to service improvements and support the delivery of patient-centred services that enhance both patient experience and operational effectiveness.
This is an excellent opportunity for an organised, proactive and motivated individual with housekeeping or catering experience, strong communication skills and the ability to lead and develop a team within a busy healthcare environment. The successful candidate will be committed to maintaining high standards, supporting colleagues and upholding the values of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Grade 4 or Above
- Level 2 Food Safety
- Experience within a Catering setting
Experience
Essential
- Experience of Housekeeping
- Experience of daily scheduling
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
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)