Chef

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

Job summary

A reputable healthcare organization in Yeovil is seeking an enthusiastic Chef to join their catering team. In this role, you will prepare high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors in a hospital kitchen. Ideal candidates will have professional kitchen experience, knowledge of food hygiene, and excellent service skills. The position offers a base salary of £24,625–£25,674 per annum, with typical annual earnings of £35,000–£40,000 including enhancements, along with numerous benefits and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Enhanced pay rates for weekends and holidays

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Blue Light Card for employee discounts

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a professional kitchen is essential.
• Good understanding of food hygiene standards is necessary.
• A passion for delivering excellent service is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a wide range of meals in a hospital kitchen.
• Ensure food quality and safety standards are met.
• Supervise Catering Assistants when acting as duty chef.

Skills

Experience in a professional kitchen

Understanding of food hygiene standards

Customer service skills

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

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. 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.

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, 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.

You’ll join a team of 9 Chefs, including 2 apprentices. Shifts are predictable and include 6 am–2 pm, 8 am–4 pm and 11 am–7 pm 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%
• Typical Annual Earnings: £35,000-£40,000 including enhancements, 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.