Retail Catering Chef (Epsom)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Epsom, Saint Helier; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Retail Catering Chef to plan menus, cost meals, and manage day-to-day food production and service across hospital outlets. The role focuses on nutritious, safe, and cost-effective catering for patients and visitors, following standard recipes and allergen controls.

The post requires Level 3 Food Safety or progression towards it, and strong English and Maths skills. Experience with food safety practices and cost control is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong spoken and written English and Maths.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Level 3 Food Safety or working towards it.

Responsibilities

• Plan and write menus for theme days and special offers with clear information for customers and patients.
• Ensure food and drink are nutritious, appetising and meet hospital catering retail standards using standard recipes.
• Maintain allergen information in Saffron catering software and update it when products are substituted.
• Oversee day-to-day food production, presentation and service to meet customer and patient expectations.
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed so that service is high quality, food safe and cost-effective.
• Ensure food is prepared and stored safely at the correct legal temperatures in line with HACCP.
• Ensure compliance with food safety requirements, including COSHH in food preparation.
• Minimise waste through correct preparation and storage of food.
• Attend Food Safety and Food Allergen Management training to comply with Natasha's Law.
• Apply food handling, safety and sanitation standards during preparation, service and clean-up.
• Plan menus and costing to deliver Trust finance expectations.

Skills

Allergen awareness

Menu costing

Stock control

Communication

Time management

Work under pressure

Timekeeping

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Retail Catering Chef post running food production, presentation and service across the restaurant and food outlets of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. The work centres on menu planning and costing, meeting hospital catering retail standards, and keeping food safe, nutritious and cost-effective for patients and customers. Terms and conditions sit outside Agenda for Change, so pay and conditions differ from standard NHS roles. Level 3 Food Safety, or working towards it, is needed to apply.

What the job involves

• Plan and write menus for theme days and special offers, with clear information for customers and patients
• Ensure food and drink are nutritious, appetising and meet hospital catering retail standards, using standard recipes
• Maintain allergen information in the Saffron catering software, updating it when a product is substituted
• Oversee day-to-day food production, presentation and service to meet customer and patient expectations
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed so that service is high quality, food safe and cost-effective
• Ensure food is prepared and stored safely at the correct legal temperatures in line with HACCP
• Ensure compliance with food safety requirements, including COSHH procedures in food preparation
• Minimise waste through correct preparation and storage of food
• Attend Food Safety and Food Allergen Management training to comply with Natasha's Law
• Apply food handling, safety and sanitation standards during preparation, service and clean-up
• Plan menus and costing to deliver Trust finance expectations

Qualifications

• Strong spoken and written English and Maths
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Level 3 Food Safety or working towards it

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of allergens and cultural dietary needs, including gluten free, low fat, halal, vegetarian and vegan
• Financial acumen in menu planning and costing
• Excellent numeracy for stock take and stock control
• Strong communication, people and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• Excellent timekeeping

Other

• Customer focus and professional conduct
• Able to plan and manage own workload and ask for support when needed
• Upholds the Trust's vision and values
• Willing to learn new skills