Chef

Priory Group; Ayr; On-site; GBP 26,680 - 32,609; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Birthday Holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits including gym membership

Access to development opportunities

Job summary

Priory Group seeks a Chef for their Ayr Clinic in Scotland. This full-time role involves meal planning, preparation, and ensuring food safety compliance, all within a supportive team environment.

The successful candidate will ideally have NVQ Level 2, experience in a professional kitchen, and be dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Opportunities for career development and training are available.

Qualifications

• Must be numerate and literate.
• Hold a basic qualification in food hygiene.
• Experience in a professional kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal planning, preparation, and cooking.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety policies.
• Take responsibility for catering operations in the absence of Head Chef.

Skills

Food hygiene knowledge

Organisational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Understanding of specialised diets

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

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 a full 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 7:30am and 6:00pm.

Candidates must be able to commute to or relocate within the Ayrshire area, including Ayr, Prestwick, and Mauchline.

Due to the remote location of our site, the ability to drive is essential.

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.

For more information about the role, you can email [e-mail]

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.