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- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals for patients and staff, ensuring high standards.
- Company: Join University Hospitals Dorset, a leading healthcare provider dedicated to quality service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous salary, paid training, free uniform, and NHS discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant culinary qualifications and experience in large-scale catering.
- Other info: Flexible hours required; opportunity for creativity in menu planning.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
University Hospitals Dorset is seeking a friendly, hardworking, reliable & qualified Chef to work within the Catering team to provide freshly cooked food to our patients and staff. The team is responsible for providing an efficient, high quality, dedicated food and beverage service, operating in compliance with corporate and local policies and procedures.
Experience of working in a similar environment and the professional qualification standard COSHH and allergen training (or willingness to work towards it) are required. But just as important are the commitment to provide a first class service and a belief in teamwork. A driving licence would be an advantage but is not essential, this position has to cover 7 days and you will work any 5 days.
What working for us will provide:
- Generous Starting Salary
- Enhanced Pay for unsocial hours worked (Saturday, Sunday).
- No split shifts
- Paid training
- Free uniform
- 27 days paid holiday (pro rata for part time) plus bank holidays
- Increased holiday allowance after 5 and 10 years' service
- Enrolment in the NHS Pension Scheme
- Salary sacrifice scheme opportunities - including childcare vouchers, car lease and cycle scheme, home technology equipment
- Staff Rates on Items in the Catering Departments retail outlets.
- NHS discounts to save on your shopping, gym membership and more
Main duties of the job:
- Ensure the preparation, cooking and service of meals for patients and staff is to the standard of City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ equivalent.
- Liaise effectively with Food Production Manager on meal quality, and inform all staff about any menu changes.
- Follow recipes accurately, so as to ensure correct cooking times, cooking methods and number of portions produced.
- It may be necessary for you to work in differing sections of the Catering Department to meet service needs.
- You must be flexible to work locations and hours and to meeting the needs of our customers and patients whilst being supportive of the large food service operation at the UHD.
Person Specification:
- Qualifications Essential: City & Guilds 706/1 706/2 or equivalent vocational level 3 qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience, Level 3 Food Hygiene/Safety, Level 3 Allergen awareness.
- Experience Essential: Large scale Catering experience within healthcare sector, Experience of special dietary requirements gained through Education & training to level 3.
- Skills/Competencies Essential: Attention to detail inc. Accuracy & ability to multi-task, Culinary Expertise (Excellent knife skills, Equipment knowledge, Safety/Sanitation methods, cooking methods).
- Knowledge Essential: Good understanding of food nutrition, Good understanding of H&S, HACCP & COSHH regulations.
- Personal Attributes Essential: Able to work as part of a team and mix with other members of staff, Ability to communicate effectively with all hospital staff, Passion for cooking.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details:
Employer name: University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW
Chef employer: University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and food safety regulations relevant to healthcare settings. This knowledge will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to providing a high-quality service.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary creativity by preparing a unique dish that aligns with the hospital's catering needs. Bring this dish to the interview or mention it during discussions to highlight your skills and passion for cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of University Hospitals Dorset. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when tailoring your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in large-scale catering environments, especially within healthcare. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed meal preparation and service under pressure.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in large-scale catering, especially within the healthcare sector. Include any qualifications like City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2, as well as your Food Hygiene and Allergen awareness certifications.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and commitment to providing excellent service. Mention your ability to work as part of a team and your experience with special dietary requirements, which is crucial for this role.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight specific skills that align with the job description, such as culinary expertise, attention to detail, and knowledge of health and safety regulations. Provide examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions related to teamwork, handling dietary restrictions, and your approach to food safety. Be ready to discuss your experience in busy kitchens and how you manage multiple tasks effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your culinary expertise in detail. Highlight your experience with large-scale catering, especially in healthcare settings, and be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully catered to special dietary requirements.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, come equipped with examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you collaborated with others to overcome them.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with COSHH, HACCP, and food hygiene standards. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance with these regulations in your cooking and food preparation processes.
✨Express Your Passion for Cooking
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through during the interview. Share what inspires you in the kitchen and how you keep up with new culinary trends or techniques that could benefit the hospital's catering service.
