Job overview
University Hospitals of North Midlands is currently unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 and Band 3 roles. This is in accordance with UKVI guidelines and legislation, as these roles do not meet the skill nor salary threshold for sponsorship. If you hold a graduate visa, you are welcome to apply for this role however it is important to note that UHNM will be unable to offer sponsorship at the end of your graduate visa, you must also have at least six months until your graduate visa expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.
Main duties of the job
Prepare, cook, and present a wide range of high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors, meeting all dietary and nutritional requirements.
Ensure all dishes are professionally garnished and presented to a high standard before service.
Conduct pre-service briefings with restaurant and counter staff to communicate key allergen information, portion sizes, and service expectations.
Develop and contribute to innovative, on-trend menus for our retail and staff catering services.
Ensure that all food is produced safely and hygienically in line with NHS food standards, HACCP regulations, and trust policies.
Supervise and support Catering Assistants during food production and service periods, ensuring duties are completed to a high standard.
Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all food preparation and service areas.
Monitor and support effective cleaning practices across the kitchen, ensuring daily and deep cleaning schedules are followed and logged.
Take responsibility for the safe handling, storage, labelling, and rotation of stock, minimising waste and ensuring compliance with food safety legislation.
Proactively bring fresh ideas to the team, contributing to seasonal menu planning and continuous service improvement.
Provide guidance, leadership, and training to junior team members to support their development and ensure consistent service standards.
Working for our organisation
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.
All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.
UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by or staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.
At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Are you a chef who’s passionate about great food, modern cooking, and making a difference every single day? At University Hospitals of North Midlands we’re not just feeding people, we’re nourishing recovery, supporting wellbeing, and driving food innovation within the NHS.
Join a catering team where your skills are valued, your creativity is encouraged, and your work-life balance is respected. With no split shifts, no late-night finishes, and weekend and bank holiday enhancements, where else can you find secure, rewarding work that still gives you time for life outside the kitchen?
As a Chef Supervisor at County Hospital, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that’s passionate about food. We operate with the latest equipment in a modern kitchen environment, and we’re proud to serve menus that are both on-trend and nutritionally balanced.
This role goes beyond traditional hospital catering, our chefs create dishes for a vibrant staff and visitor restaurant alongside nutritious patient meals. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their craft, embraces innovation, and thrives on bringing fresh ideas to the table.
Whether it’s crafting theme day specials, street food-inspired dishes, or comforting classics done brilliantly, this is your opportunity to be part of a high-performing NHS kitchen that’s changing perceptions of hospital food.
For further information on this vacancy, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification or contact the Hiring Manager.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
* High Volume Kitchen Experience
Desirable criteria
* Previous Experience in Hospital Catering
Skills
Essential criteria
* Fresh Food Preparation and Cooking Skills
Desirable criteria
* Familiarity with Themed Food Days, Customer Engagement and Retail Catering
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* NVQ Level 2 in Professional or Equivalent Catering Qualification
* Level 2 Food Safety / Allergen Training
Desirable criteria
* NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or Equivalent Higher-Level Qualification
* Level 3 or above Food Safety / Advanced Allergen Training Level 3
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