At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook high-quality meals for patients and staff in a busy hospital kitchen.
- Company: Join New Victoria Hospital, part of the globally trusted Bupa healthcare group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and more!
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for growth in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient recovery through nutritious and delicious meals.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Professional Cookery and significant catering experience required.
The predicted salary is between 25110 - 30690 £ per year.
New Victoria Hospital is committed to delivering exceptional patient experiences through outstanding clinical care and support services. Great food plays an important role in a patient's recovery and overall experience, and we're looking for an experienced Second Chef to help us deliver high-quality, nutritious meals to patients, visitors and colleagues every day.
How You'll Help Us Make Health Happen
Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll support the day-to-day operation of the hospital kitchen, ensuring food is prepared and presented to the highest standards while complying with all food safety and hygiene requirements. You'll play a key role in delivering an exceptional dining experience by producing nutritious, high-quality meals and supporting the smooth running of a busy catering service.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook and present meals to consistently high standards.
- Support the planning and development of menus that are nutritious, varied and patient focused.
- Ensure all meals are produced in line with dietary, allergen and nutritional requirements.
- Assist with stock control, ordering and inventory management.
- Monitor food quality, portion control and presentation standards.
- Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene and infection prevention standards.
- Complete daily kitchen documentation, including temperature monitoring and cleaning records.
- Minimise food waste and contribute to efficient cost management.
- Support and guide catering team members to ensure a collaborative and productive working environment.
- Deputise for the Head Chef when required.
- Contribute to catering for special events and functions across the hospital.
- Build positive working relationships with clinical and operational teams to support excellent patient care.
What We're Looking For
- Essential NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Professional Cookery, Catering or equivalent qualification.
- Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Significant experience working within a professional catering environment.
- Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and kitchen hygiene standards.
- Experience of stock control, ordering and cost management.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced environment.
- Flexible approach with the ability to work across a 7-day rota.
Desirable
- Previous experience within a healthcare or hospital setting.
- Advanced catering or culinary qualifications.
- Knowledge of specialist dietary requirements and therapeutic diets.
Benefits
At New Victoria Hospital, we want to reward our staff for the amazing job that they do. As part of the team, you will have access to a range of benefits for your work and home life. We offer a variety of benefits that take into consideration how you commute to work, your health and well-being and recognising your service and any staff referrals you make to the Hospital.
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days + bank holidays increasing with length of service.
- In-house training for all staff.
- Company pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
- Access to subsidised staff restaurant.
- Interest free travel loan.
- Private healthcare (T&Cs Apply).
- Bicycle Loan Scheme.
- Retailer discounts.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
Part of a Globally Trusted Healthcare Group
When you join New Victoria, you also become part of Bupa — a global healthcare leader with the scale, stability and expertise of a major international brand. Being backed by Bupa means access to an extensive network of clinical and operational specialists, shared best practice from across the organisation, and the support of well-established systems that help you grow, develop and deliver exceptional care. Our size gives us strength, while our purpose keeps us personal.
We champion diversity and want our people to reflect the communities we serve. Everyone is encouraged to "Be you at Bupa", and we actively welcome colleagues from all backgrounds and experiences. Bupa takes pride in being a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and will aim to offer an interview/assessment to disabled applicants who best meet the minimum criteria for the role. We're committed to ensuring you're treated fairly during the recruitment process and offer reasonable adjustments to anyone who may benefit from accommodations to the recruitment process.
Time Type: Full time
Job Area: Property & Facilities
Locations: New Victoria Hospital
Second Chef in London employer: Bupa
Bupa Mindplace in Dartford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With flexible shifts and a focus on delivering high-quality therapy, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages growth and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about mental health care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bupa. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bupa
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bupa directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bupa and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bupa
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
