Chef | Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Dorchester is seeking a passionate Chef to provide high-quality meals to patients, staff, and visitors. This role offers better work-life balance and job stability as part of the NHS catering team. Candidates should have experience in food preparation, knowledge of food safety standards, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Join a collaborative team in a rewarding environment and contribute to patient wellbeing.

Benefits

Access to NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Staff wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and cooking for large groups.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations including HACCP.
• Ability to manage a diverse kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals in line with dietary requirements.
• Support menu planning and stock management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Skills

Food Preparation

Team Leadership

Food Safety & Hygiene

Customer Service

Job description

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.

As a hospital chef, you’ll prepare a wide variety of nutritious meals for patients, visitors, and staff. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that values high standards, compassion, and professionalism. This is a rewarding role where you can take pride knowing your skills directly contribute to patient recovery.

This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.

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.

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.

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.

This advert closes on Tuesday 11 Nov 2025