Hospital Catering Chef: Lead Nutritious Meals

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dedicated chef to join the Catering Department and deliver high‑quality meals to patients, staff and visitors while upholding strict food safety standards and supporting the hospital’s commitment to nutritious, locally sourced meals.

You will prepare and present meals in line with dietary requirements and hospital menus, assist with menu planning, manage stock and waste, and lead a small kitchen team in a supportive, collaborative

Qualifications

• Prepare and cook meals following hospital menus and dietary requirements.
• Maintain strict food safety regulations and HACCP practices.
• Lead and mentor junior kitchen staff to ensure quality and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation & Cooking: follow hospital menus and ensure quality and presentation.
• Menu planning: assist in developing seasonal menus tailored to patient dietary needs.
• Stock management: manage supplies, ordering and rotation to minimise waste.
• Food safety & hygiene: uphold hospital hygiene standards and regulatory compliance.
• Team leadership: mentor junior staff and provide training.

Skills

Food safety

Hygiene

Team leadership

Meal presentation

Job description

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dedicated chef to join the Catering Department and deliver high‑quality meals to patients, staff and visitors while upholding strict food safety standards and supporting the hospital’s commitment to nutritious, locally sourced meals.

You will prepare and present meals in line with dietary requirements and hospital menus, assist with menu planning, manage stock and waste, and lead a small kitchen team in a supportive, collaborative