Chef

NHS; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is looking for an enthusiastic Chef to join the Catering Services team at Yeovil District Hospital. You will prepare nutritious meals for patients and staff while maintaining high standards of safety and cleanliness. Previous kitchen experience is essential, and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is desired. The job offers predictable shifts and enhanced pay rates for weekends and bank holidays.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Blue Light Card for discounts

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a professional kitchen is essential.
• A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is desirable, training can be provided.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a wide range of meals in a hospital kitchen.
• Ensure food is produced to high standards of safety, taste, and presentation.
• Support stock control and deliveries, supervise Catering Assistants when duty chef.

Skills

Experience in a professional kitchen

Food hygiene standards

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Overview

Cook with Purpose - Join the NHS Catering Team at Yeovil District Hospital

We're looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Chef to join our dynamic Catering Services team at Yeovil District Hospital. This is your chance to make a real difference by preparing nutritious, high-quality meals that support the recovery and wellbeing of patients, while also serving staff and visitors.

You'll join a team of 9 Chefs, including 2 apprentices. Shifts are predictable and include 6am-2pm, 8am-4pm and 11am-7pm and 2 weekends on,1 off. You'll receive enhanced pay rates for weekend and bank holiday working, in line with NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions.

• Base Salary: 24,625 - 25,674 per annum.
• Enhanced Pay Rates:
• Saturday shifts: +35%
• Sundays & Bank Holidays: +69%

Responsibilities

As a Chef, you'll be responsible for preparing and cooking a wide range of meals, including special dietary options, in a fast-paced hospital kitchen. You'll ensure all food is produced to the highest standards of safety, taste, and presentation, while maintaining strict hygiene and cleanliness protocols. You'll also support stock control, deliveries, and occasionally supervise Catering Assistants when acting as the duty chef.

We’re looking for someone with previous experience in a professional kitchen, a good understanding of food hygiene standards, and a passion for delivering excellent service. A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is desirable, but training can be provided.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional kitchen
• Desirable: Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (training can be provided)

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.