Chef Supervisor (Band 3) - Chef - University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust; Stafford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust in Stafford is seeking a Chef Supervisor to prepare and present quality meals for patients and staff. This role prioritizes creativity and innovation in a modern kitchen, with emphasis on food safety and hygiene. Ideal candidates will have relevant catering experience and qualifications, and the opportunity to work in a supportive environment that respects work-life balance.

Benefits

Work-life balance

No split shifts or late nights

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Previous experience in hospital catering required.
• Ability to prepare and cook fresh food.
• Knowledge of customer engagement and retail catering is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present a variety of high-quality meals.
• Supervise Catering Assistants during food production.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in preparation areas.

Skills

Fresh food preparation and cooking skills

Experience in hospital catering

Familiarity with themed food days

Customer engagement

Retail catering

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Professional or Equivalent Catering Qualification

Level 2 Food Safety / Allergen Training

Job description

Employer University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust Employer type NHS Site County Hospital Town Stafford Salary £24,937 - £26,598 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 10/10/2025 23:59

Job overview

University Hospitals of North Midlands is currently unable to provide sponsorship for this role. This is in accordance with UKVI guidelines and legislation, as these roles do not meet the skill nor salary threshold for sponsorship.

Are you a chef who’s passionate about great food, modern cooking, and making a difference every single day? At University Hospitals of North Midlands we’re not just feeding people , we’re nourishing recovery, supporting wellbeing, and driving food innovation within the NHS.

Join a catering team where your skills are valued, your creativity is encouraged, and your work-life balance is respected. With no split shifts, no late-night finishes, and weekend and bank holiday enhancements, where else can you find secure, rewarding work that still gives you time for life outside the kitchen?

As a Chef Supervisor at County Hospital, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that’s passionate about food. We operate with the latest equipment in a modern kitchen environment, and we’re proud to serve menus that are both on-trend and nutritionally balanced.

Main duties of the job

Prepare, cook, and present a wide range of high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors, meeting all dietary and nutritional requirements.

Ensure all dishes are professionally garnished and presented to a high standard before service.

Conduct pre-service briefings with restaurant and counter staff to communicate key allergen information, portion sizes, and service expectations.

Develop and contribute to innovative, on-trend menus for our retail and staff catering services.

Ensure that all food is produced safely and hygienically in line with NHS food standards, HACCP regulations, and trust policies.

Supervise and support Catering Assistants during food production and service periods, ensuring duties are completed to a high standard.

Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all food preparation and service areas.

Monitor and support effective cleaning practices across the kitchen, ensuring daily and deep cleaning schedules are followed and logged.

Take responsibility for the safe handling, storage, labelling, and rotation of stock, minimising waste and ensuring compliance with food safety legislation.

Proactively bring fresh ideas to the team, contributing to seasonal menu planning and continuous service improvement.

Provide guidance, leadership, and training to junior team members to support their development and ensure consistent service standards.

Person specification

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience in hospital catering
• Fresh food preparation and cooking skills
• Familiarity with themed food days, customer engagement, and retail catering
• NVQ Level 2 in Professional or Equivalent Catering Qualification
• Level 2 Food Safety / Allergen Training

What we offer

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. We are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching, and research.

We offer a range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone regardless of ethnicity, disability, gender, age, faith, or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.