Job overview
We are seeking an experienced chef/cook to join our food production team at St Richard’s Hospital on a flexible basis.
Working hours: Monday to Friday, working 6 am to 2 pm.
Should you require Additional Support with completing your Application, please contact the Facilities and Estates Recruitment Team via email below:
Before applying for the position, please review the job description and person specifications to ensure your qualifications and experience meet the required criteria.
Main duties of the job
We operate a cook freeze model for our patient meal service at both St. Richards and Worthing Hospitals.
Duties include:
1. Batch cooking using large industrial equipment such as Bratt pans and Tilting kettles.
2. Following set recipe's
3. Working in a tidy manner, clean as you go approach
4. Allergen awareness - prevention of cross-contamination
5. Portioning
6. General preparation
7. Assembling salads
8. Following strict HACCP and Food Hygiene practices and procedures
9. Use of temperature recording devices
10. Understanding of temperature controls
11. Decanting foodstuffs ready for next days production
12. Awareness of special diets
13. Date labelling and understanding of stock rotation
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
To safely prepare consistently high quality meals to specified standards in order to meet the nutritional needs and personal expectations of our patients, staff and customers.
To work in accordance with HACCP procedures and current food safety legislation.
The post holder is required to work in a busy industrial kitchen. They will be exposed to heat, cold and noise on a daily basis. The position requires the post holder to be their feet for the whole of their shift and exercise manual dexterity.
The post holder will work as part of a team of catering staff responsible for the effective day to day delivery of food and beverage service across multi sites. The service provides in excess of 20,000 meals per week to approx. 1000 hospital beds and various departments within the Trust. Food production is a mix of cook-chill and cook freeze.
For further details, please refer to the full job description and person specification.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
14. Good standard of English and Maths
15. City and guilds NVQ 3 in cookery or Level 2 with relevant industry experience
16. L2 Food Safety Award or previous experience in food safety and hygiene practices and procedures.
Desirable criteria
17. L2 Healthier Food & Special Diets
18. L2 Allergen Awareness
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
19. Experience with batch cooking
20. Understanding of HACCP systems and able to maintain a safe working environment.
21. Knowledge and experience of food production and service procedures
Skills
Essential criteria
22. Effective communication skills – verbal and written. Must be able to read & understand written instructions, food safety/quality assurance documents and menu requirements.
23. Must be physically fit as the post is physically demanding. Able to move around the department easily and safely. Must be able to demonstrate manual dexterity.
24. Effective organisational skills and ability to manage time and prioritise work.
25. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
EDI
Essential criteria
26. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
27. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications