Job overview
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.
Main duties of the job
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.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria
* NVQ Level 3 Or equivalent experience
* NVQ Level 2
* Food Safety Level 3
* Advanced Food Hygiene
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
* Proficiency in preparing a variety of dishes, including specialized dietary meals such as low-sodium, diabetic, and allergen-free options. Knowledge of portion control, plating standards, and food presentation.
* Ability to create diverse menus that meet nutritional requirements and cater to specific patient needs.
* Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a high-demand environment. Capacity to manage multiple tasks and deliver meals within strict timeframes.
* Adherence to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles and hospital-specific hygiene standards. Proper handling, storage, and preparation of food to minimize contamination risks.
* Effective communication with dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. A patient-focused attitude, ensuring meals meet both nutritional and individual preferences.
* Quick thinking to address last-minute changes to dietary requirements or supply issues.
* Ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, assistants, and other hospital teams
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
* Understanding of hospital dietary guidelines and medical conditions affecting diet, such as diabetes, renal issues, or cardiovascular diseases. Awareness of allergen management and special diets (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan).
* Familiarity with food safety laws and certifications (e.g., Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or 3). Knowledge of safe equipment usage and kitchen sanitation practices.
* Experience in cooking for large groups, ideally in healthcare, schools, or other institutional settings. 3 years in industry or 2 years college
* Ability to manage kitchen supplies efficiently, minimizing waste while ensuring availability of key ingredients.
* Familiarity with healthcare environments or working alongside medical staff is a strong advantage.
* Knowledge of operating commercial kitchen equipment like steamers, ovens, and food processors
Our Mission
Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Our Vision
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.
Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.
You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.