Chef

Priory; Sefton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Flexible benefits including gym access

IPD sponsorship

Leadership development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonuses

Job summary

Priory is seeking a Chef to join our team in a full-time, 40-hour role. The position involves planning, preparing, cooking and serving meals for residents with attention to dietary and nutritional needs. You will supervise catering staff, manage stock and invoices, and develop healthy, varied menus.

The role requires NVQ2 or equivalent and a basic food hygiene qualification, plus strong communication to guide junior staff. Prior hospital/ care kitchen experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking in a professional kitchen.
• NVQ2 or equivalent and basic food hygiene qualification.
• Strong communication to train and direct junior staff.
• Experience in busy kitchen requiring physical effort.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, cook and serve meals, considering dietary needs.
• Supervise catering support staff to maintain high standards and regulatory compliance.
• Order and rotate stock, check invoices and manage costs.
• Develop varied menus aligned with healthy eating guidelines and dietary requirements.

Skills

Menu planning

Stock control

Team supervision

Health & safety

Catering compliance

Education

NVQ2 or equivalent

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

Description

Cleveland House is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. This is a full time, 40 hour role. Shift pattern can be discussed at interview.

Cleveland House is located in Banks, Southport, in the west of Lancashire. It offers residential support for 32 males and females with an acquired brain injury (ABI), progressive neurological condition (PNC) and associated physical health needs. We are located on a residential housing estate.

We can also support those who have:

• Conditions such as epilepsy
• Difficulties with communication
• Difficulties with swallowing
• May need respiratory support through a ventilator and/or tracheostomy

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 service and to support the wellbeing of our residents. 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.

• Plan, prepare, cook, and serve meals, considering dietary and nutritional requirements.
• Supervise catering support staff to maintain high operational standards and compliance with Assured Safe Catering policies and regulations.
• Order and rotate stock efficiently and cost‑effectively, checking and authorising invoices before submission.
• Develop varied and interesting menus aligned with healthy eating guidelines and individual dietary needs.

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.

Applicants should have experience preparing and cooking meals in a professional kitchen environment with an NVQ2 or equivalent & basic qualification in food hygiene. Strong communication skills are essential to direct and instruct junior staff effectively. Experience working in a busy kitchen requiring sustained physical effort is also important.

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.

• 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.

About Priory

Priory is the UK’s leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions – including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and children’s mental health – and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, Prader–Willi Syndrome, brain injuries and older people.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Learn more about the accessibility support we offer here. For agency enquiries and applications, please view our legal statement here.

All roles are subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.