Chef

Overview

In this role you will prepare meals from scratch for patients, staff, and visitors in a fresh-cook NHS kitchen. You work closely with the head chef and the catering team to meet standards and ensure compliance. You’ll manage portioning, stock use, allergen data, and HACCP processes, while contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. This role offers development opportunities within a supportive NHS environment.

Pay / Benefits

• development opportunities
• flexible working
• wellbeing focus
• inclusive workplace
• Disability Confident employer
• supportive culture

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals from scratch following approved recipes and methods
• Maintain a clean, safe working area and participate in deep cleaning
• Manage portioning and minimize waste through recipe adherence
• Optimise stock using FIFO and adjust quantities with basic maths
• Ensure allergen information is correct and HACCP procedures are followed
• Record temperatures and maintain accurate labeling and storage
• Complete mandatory and catering-specific training in a timely manner
• Support team to meet time pressures and participate in toolbox talks
• Use departmental computer systems and patient ordering data to plan and deliver meals
• Contribute to special diet data handling and reporting

Key requirements

• 3 GCSE or equivalent; NVQ level 2 in catering
• Experience in culinary service within large teams or hospital/trust environment
• Basic food hygiene qualification (CIEH Level 2)
• Proficiency with basic PC tools and department systems
• Experience with temperature recording and HACCP
• Ability to work to recipes, manage stock, and meet time pressures

• teamwork and collaboration
• attention to detail
• good communication
• HACCP compliance
• Allergen management and labeling
• Temperature recording and data input

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