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The Catering Department at Dorset County Hospital is seeking a chef to join our team in the kitchen and deliver excellent service to patients, Staff, and Visitors. We pride ourselves on the high standards of our kitchens and food and hope you will be a key member of our growing team. We are looking for a chef who wants to use their skills and passion for food to help people and work in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced kitchen environment, demonstrating a natural flair and passion for consistently delivering high-quality food. Flexibility is key, as you'll be part of a team working evenings, weekdays, and weekends to ensure our customers enjoy exceptional dining experiences.
Disclaimer: As a Bank Worker, the nature of your engagement will be seen as on a day-to-day basis. A statement does not constitute a contract of employment, nor is the Trust under any obligation to offer you any engagement or further engagement under these terms. 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 upholding strict food safety and hygiene standards.
You will oversee food preparation, hygiene, and safety across all catering areas, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.
Food Preparation & Cooking: Prepare and cook meals following hospital menus, ensuring quality, taste, and presentation.
Menu Planning: Assist in developing seasonal menus tailored to patient dietary needs, balancing nutrition, taste, and budget.
Stock Management: Manage food supplies, ordering, storing, and rotating stock to minimise waste.
Food Safety & Hygiene: Maintain compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP) and ensure kitchen cleanliness.
Team Leadership: Mentor junior kitchen staff, providing training and support.
Meal Service Coordination: Work with the catering team to ensure timely meal delivery while maintaining quality.
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.
Our catering team is small yet incredibly supportive. The Trust is committed to supporting the development and success of every team member. We offer comprehensive support systems to help you reach your career goals, including guidance from HR, the Staff Union, and various well-being initiatives such as Vivup and Steps to Wellbeing.
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.
You will prepare freshly made dishes daily, and there will be many opportunities for career progression, training, and ongoing creative input. We have a large department, and work as part of a team reporting to the Hospitals' Facilities management team. The successful candidate will be expected to guide and support our Catering Assistants to ensure the smooth operation of the catering department.
Understanding of hospital dietary guidelines and medical conditions affecting diet, such as diabetes, renal issues, or cardiovascular diseases. gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan).
Food Safety and Regulatory Standards: 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.
Catering in Large-Scale Environments: Inventory and Stock Management: Ability to manage kitchen supplies efficiently, minimizing waste while ensuring availability of key ingredients.
Knowledge of operating commercial kitchen equipment like steamers, ovens, and food processors.
Hospital/Healthcare Experience: Familiarity with healthcare environments or working alongside medical staff is a strong advantage
Education, Qualifications & Training
NVQ Level 2
Food Safety Level 3
Advanced Food Hygiene
NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
Knowledge of portion control, plating standards, and food presentation.
Menu Planning: Ability to create diverse menus that meet nutritional requirements and cater to specific patient needs
Food Safety and Hygiene: 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.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, assistants, and other hospital teams
Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. nhs.uk)
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