Chef

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Dorchester seeks passionate chefs to join their catering team. This role offers a work-life balance and the chance to make a significant difference in patients' recovery through nutritious meal preparation. Candidates will need NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience, with responsibilities including meal preparation, quality control, and collaboration with healthcare staff. The position promises job security and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Staff wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking for large groups in healthcare or similar environments.
• Ability to prepare specialized dietary meals for patient needs.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals for patients and staff.
• Manage food supplies and ensure hygiene standards are maintained.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams to meet dietary requirements.
• Serve meals professionally to ensure a positive experience.

Skills

Food preparation

Menu planning

Team leadership

Communication with healthcare professionals

Adherence to food safety regulations

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Food Safety Level 3

Advanced Food Hygiene

Job description

Job summary

Are you a chef looking for a role that offers better work-life balance, stability, and the chance to make a real difference? Dorset County Hospital is looking for passionate chefs to join our dedicated catering team.

Unlike traditional restaurant and hospitality roles, working as a chef with us means:

• Better Hours & Work-Life Balance – Enjoy more sociable working hours without the late nights typical in the restaurant trade.
• Job Security & Stability – Be part of the NHS, with long‑term career opportunities and a secure contract.
• Support & Benefits – Access to the NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave, and staff wellbeing support.
• Make a Real Difference – You won’t just be preparing meals; you’ll be helping patients on their journey to recovery. The nutritious, carefully prepared food you create plays a vital role in supporting health, healing and wellbeing.

Main duties of the job

As a Chef in the Catering Department, you will play a vital role in delivering high‑quality, nutritious meals to patients, staff, and visitors while maintaining excellent standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Food Preparation & Cooking – Prepare and cook meals in line with hospital menus and dietary requirements, ensuring high standards of taste and presentation.
• Menu Planning – Support the creation and refinement of seasonal menus, focusing on nutrition, taste, and budget considerations for patients' dietary needs.
• Stock Management – Manage the ordering, storage, and rotation of food supplies to maintain optimal stock levels and minimise waste.
• Food Safety & Hygiene – Adhere to all food safety regulations, including HACCP, while maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Team Leadership – Guide and mentor junior staff, fostering teamwork and ensuring efficient kitchen operations.
• Meal Service Coordination – Ensure timely and consistent meal delivery in collaboration with the catering team.
• Healthcare Collaboration – Work with dieticians and healthcare staff to meet patients' specific dietary needs.
• Customer Service – Provide a positive dining experience by addressing concerns and special requests professionally. This role ensures the highest standards in food quality and service, directly contributing to the well‑being of patients and staff.

About us

At Dorset County Hospital, we are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our dynamic catering team during an exciting period of transformation. As a valued team member, you will play a key role in driving change and ensuring the delivery of high‑quality meals to our patients, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Within the catering department, you'll find a diverse and welcoming group of individuals who treat each other like family. Our team thrives on collaboration, and we celebrate the unique qualities that each member brings to the table. We believe in positive encouragement, providing ample opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement to those who show dedication and commitment.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

Details Date posted

24 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time, Part‑time

Reference number

405-25-EA502CAT-A

Job locations

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Avenue

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Job description Job responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at [e-mail] if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Job description Job responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at [e-mail] if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Person Specification Education, Qualifications and Training Essential

• NVQ Level 3 Or equivalent experience
• NVQ Level 2
• Food Safety Level 3
• Advanced Food Hygiene

Skills & Abilities Essential

• Proficiency in preparing a variety of dishes, including specialized dietary meals such as low‑sodium, diabetic, and allergen‑free options. Knowledge of portion control, plating standards, and food presentation.
• Ability to create diverse menus that meet nutritional requirements and cater to specific patient needs.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a high‑demand environment. Capacity to manage multiple tasks and deliver meals within strict timeframes.
• Adherence to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles and hospital‑specific hygiene standards. Proper handling, storage, and preparation of food to minimise contamination risks.
• Effective communication with dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. A patient‑focused attitude, ensuring meals meet both nutritional and individual preferences.
• Quick thinking to address last‑minute changes to dietary requirements or supply issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, assistants, and other hospital teams

Knowledge & Experience Essential

• Understanding of hospital dietary guidelines and medical conditions affecting diet, such as diabetes, renal issues, or cardiovascular diseases. Awareness of allergen management and special diets (e.g., gluten‑free, vegetarian, vegan).
• Familiarity with food safety laws and certifications (e.g., Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or 3). Knowledge of safe equipment usage and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Experience in cooking for large groups, ideally in healthcare, schools, or other institutional settings. 3 years in industry or 2 years college
• Ability to manage kitchen supplies efficiently, minimising waste while ensuring availability of key ingredients.
• Familiarity with healthcare environments or working alongside medical staff is a strong advantage.
• Knowledge of operating commercial kitchen equipment like steamers, ovens, and food processors

Person Specification Education, Qualifications and Training Essential

• NVQ Level 3 Or equivalent experience
• NVQ Level 2
• Food Safety Level 3
• Advanced Food Hygiene

Skills & Abilities Essential

• Proficiency in preparing a variety of dishes, including specialized dietary meals such as low‑sodium, diabetic, and allergen‑free options. Knowledge of portion control, plating standards, and food presentation.
• Ability to create diverse menus that meet nutritional requirements and cater to specific patient needs.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a high‑demand environment. Capacity to manage multiple tasks and deliver meals within strict timeframes.
• Adherence to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles and hospital‑specific hygiene standards. Proper handling, storage, and preparation of food to minimise contamination risks.
• Effective communication with dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. A patient‑focused attitude, ensuring meals meet both nutritional and individual preferences.
• Quick thinking to address last‑minute changes to dietary requirements or supply issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, assistants, and other hospital teams

Knowledge & Experience Essential

• Understanding of hospital dietary guidelines and medical conditions affecting diet, such as diabetes, renal issues, or cardiovascular diseases. Awareness of allergen management and special diets (e.g., gluten‑free, vegetarian, vegan).
• Familiarity with food safety laws and certifications (e.g., Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or 3). Knowledge of safe equipment usage and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Experience in cooking for large groups, ideally in healthcare, schools, or other institutional settings. 3 years in industry or 2 years college
• Ability to manage kitchen supplies efficiently, minimising waste while ensuring availability of key ingredients.
• Familiarity with healthcare environments or working alongside medical staff is a strong advantage.
• Knowledge of operating commercial kitchen equipment like steamers, ovens, and food processors

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: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address:

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Avenue

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website: https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address:

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Avenue

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website: https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)