The Yeatman Hospital is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Cook/Head Chef who is passionate about food and wants to make a difference.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for culinary excellence, strong leadership abilities, and a keen eye on detail.
As Senior Cook/Head Chef, you will have full operational and financial responsibility for the hospitals catering facility, leading the team to deliver the highest quality of food and service to 26 in-patients, as well as our staff and members of the public in our friendly hospital café. You must be able to work flexibly as part of a rota including working weekends and bank holidays. Applications from candidates that require visa sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Responsibilities
Supervising and supporting a small team of catering staff, ensuring the smooth day to day operation
Recruiting, managing and training catering team
Planning of menus, orders, deliveries and budget control
Managing food safety, Health & Safety and Allergens legislation, overseeing food safety practices and compliance and conducting periodic audits
Requirements
Desirable – Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to undertake
Strong knowledge of kitchen operation, food production and culinary techniques
Excellent leadership and supervisory skills
Understanding of HACCP, allergen regulations and best practice
Awareness of COSHH regulation
Basic IT skills/computer competence
Offer
Permanent contract – no late nights
Generous holiday allowance increasing with service
NHS pension
Uniform provided
On-site free parking
Healthcare discount scheme
Appointment to this post is subject to a standard DBS certificate.
Although this is a full‑time position of 37.5 hrs per week, we are committed to supporting flexible working in line with service needs and would consider 30 hours availability.
At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined‑up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward‑looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people. We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000‑strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people looking to get into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net.
This advert closes on Monday 2 Feb 2026.
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