Chef

Transformationunitgm; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Bournemouth is seeking a qualified Chef to join their Catering team. This role involves preparing and serving meals to patients and staff, ensuring high-quality food service in compliance with health standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in large-scale catering, particularly in healthcare settings, and possess relevant culinary qualifications. Benefits include enhanced pay for unsocial hours, paid training, and an NHS pension scheme.

Benefits

Enhanced pay for unsocial hours

Paid training

Free uniform

27 days paid holiday plus bank holidays

NHS Pension Scheme

Salary sacrifice schemes

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in large-scale catering in healthcare.
• Ability to work independently in kitchen areas.
• Creativity in developing new recipes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals to standards equivalent to City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 3.
• Coordinate with Food Production Manager on meal quality and menu updates.
• Follow recipes accurately for proper cooking times and portions.

Skills

Culinary skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 706/2 or equivalent vocational Level 3 qualification

Level 3 Food Hygiene/Safety

Job description

Main area: Facilities Grade Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (5 days on, 2 days off)
Job ref: 153-CO04446-B

Employer Details

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, NHS site in Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Salary: £24,625 - £25,674 per annum, Yearly, Closing date: 01/06/2025 23:59

Position: Chef, Band 3

As University Hospitals Dorset, we are a three-site acute trust with ‘university hospital’ status through our partnership with Bournemouth University, operating with an annual budget of £730m.

We provide highly regarded health services and employ around 10,000 staff. Our £250m estates programme aims to deliver state-of-the-art facilities within the next two years to meet healthcare needs.

Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with over seven miles of sandy beaches, the area offers excellent work/life balance opportunities. The proximity to the New Forest and the Purbecks, and being less than three hours from London, makes this a desirable location.

We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive, welcoming, and productive workplace. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups and have active staff networks including Women’s Network, BAME, Pride Network, and others. We are signed up to Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant schemes.

Job Overview

We seek a friendly, hardworking, reliable, and qualified Chef to join our Catering team, providing freshly cooked food to patients and staff. The team ensures efficient, high-quality food and beverage services in compliance with policies and procedures.

Requirements include experience in a similar environment, professional qualifications, COSHH and allergen training (or willingness to obtain), and a commitment to excellent service and teamwork. A driving license is advantageous but not essential. The role involves working any 5 days across a 7-day schedule.

Benefits

• Enhanced pay for unsocial hours (Saturday, Sunday)
• No split shifts
• Paid training
• Free uniform
• 27 days paid holiday plus bank holidays
• Increased holiday after 5 and 10 years
• NHS Pension Scheme
• Salary sacrifice schemes (childcare vouchers, car lease, etc.)
• Staff discounts
• NHS discounts on shopping, gym memberships, and more

Please note: Previous applicants need not reapply.

Main Duties

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals to standards equivalent to City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 3
• Coordinate with Food Production Manager on meal quality and menu updates
• Follow recipes accurately for proper cooking times and portions
• Work in various sections of the Catering Department as needed

Flexibility in location and hours is required to meet service needs and support the food operation at UHD.

Working for UHD

Our values define us as #TeamUHD, guiding how we treat patients, visitors, and colleagues. Due to ongoing service developments, some roles may relocate temporarily or permanently, with travel considerations explained accordingly.

Additional Information

For more details, please read the full job description and person specification attached to this advert.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 706/1 706/2 or equivalent vocational Level 3 qualification
• Level 3 Food Hygiene/Safety

Experience

• Large-scale catering experience in healthcare
• Experience with special dietary requirements
• Ability to work independently in kitchen areas
• NHS catering experience
• Attention to detail and multi-tasking skills
• Culinary skills including knife handling, equipment use, safety, sanitation, and cooking methods
• Creativity in developing new recipes

Knowledge

• Food nutrition principles
• H&S, HACCP, and COSHH regulations
• Understanding of special dietary needs

Personal Attributes

• Teamwork and communication skills
• Passion for cooking
• Experience in busy kitchens

Note: Staff must be flexible across Trust locations; applications may close early if sufficient.

COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged but not mandatory. Internal candidates will be appointed under UHD terms and conditions.

Additional Information

This role involves access to vulnerable populations and is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks.