Chef

Priory Group; Alloway; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Birthday Holiday - birthday leave

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits (gym, IT devices, HC

Healthcare Cash Plan

Job summary

Priory Hospital Ayr Clinic is looking for a Chef to join the team on a full-time basis. The role is 37.5 hours per week across a 7-day rota between 8:00am and 6:00pm, based at Ayr Clinic in Ayrshire, Scotland. Access to a vehicle is recommended due to location.

You will support with planning, cooking and serving meals while maintaining safety and cost controls. The ideal candidate will have NVQ2 or equivalent and a basic food hygiene qualification, be numerate and organised, and have experience

Qualifications

• NVQ2 level or equivalent and a basic qualification in food hygiene.
• Numerate and literate with good organisation and time management.
• Experience in a professional kitchen handling meals for large groups.

Responsibilities

• Assists with planning, preparation, cooking and serving of meals to a Priory Group Service, meeting dietary requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety policies and regulations.
• Take full shift responsibility for catering operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Monitor stock, place orders and reconcile deliveries to control costs.

Skills

Catering ops

Food safety

Stock control

Dietary knowledge

Communication

Education

NVQ2 or equivalent

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

Chef

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Ayr Clinic

Compensation: £29,645 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Ayr Clinic is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. This is afull time 37.5 hours role.

Based in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, Priory Hospital Ayr Clinic is a low secure service for males and females with a mental health diagnosis and/or a personality disorder. We can support people from all over the UK. Lochlea House and Gatehouse are two stepdown services located in Ayrshire which are part of Ayr Clinic also. This role covers core shifts on a rota basis, working across 7 days between 8:00am and 6:00pm.

Due to the location of the service, access to a vehicle or the ability to drive is recommended.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be part of a dedicated and compassionate team, all working together to ensure the smooth running of the hospital and to support the wellbeing of our patients. While your role doesn’t involve providing direct care, your contribution is vital in helping to maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you’re assisting with day-to-day operations, keeping things organised, or ensuring our spaces are well looked after, your support plays an important part in creating a positive experience for those who live and work here.

• Assists with the provision of a catering service within a Priory Group Service with particular emphasis on the planning, preparation, cooking and serving of meals, ensuring all activities and operations comply with operational standards and statutory regulations. Undertakes the planning, preparation and cooking of meals, taking account of any special requests or dietary requirements within the unit.
• Ensuring operational standards comply with the company’s Food Safety policies and guidelines and statutory regulations.
• Takes full shift responsibility for the catering operation (in the absence of the Head Chef).
• Ensures the cost-effective and efficient control of stock including placing orders for food products and the checking/reconciliation of deliveries.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

The ideal candidate will be numerate and literate, qualified to NVQ2 level or equivalent, and hold a basic qualification in food hygiene. They will be able to organise and prioritise their own workload within established procedures, demonstrating excellent organisation and time management skills. With strong communication and negotiation abilities, they will confidently monitor costs and liaise effectively with suppliers. A good understanding of specialised diets, including Dysphagia and allergens, will be advantageous. The ideal candidate will deliver first‑class customer service and bring experience from a professional kitchen environment, with a proven track record of producing meals for large groups on time and within budget.

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Free on-site parking
• Birthday Holiday - your birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.