At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, homemade meals using fresh ingredients for patients and staff.
- Company: Join Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic kitchen environment with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-quality catering and a passion for food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27106 - 28850 £ per year.
Frimley Health Foundation Trust is seeking a dedicated and creative Chef to join our busy hospital kitchen and staff restaurant at Wexham Park Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who takes pride in producing high-quality, traditional, homemade meals using fresh and, wherever possible, locally sourced ingredients. Working within a large production kitchen, you will play a key role in delivering nutritious and appealing meals that make a real difference to patient care and staff wellbeing.
We are seeking a motivated chef with proven experience in a quality-driven catering environment. You will bring enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for food. The ability to perform well under pressure and manage a varied workload is essential, as is a commitment to consistently delivering high standards.
Please note that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the post.
Main duties of the job:
- Prepare and cook dishes from fresh ingredients, following Trust recipes and menu plans for patients and staff.
- Ensure every dish is cooked correctly, well-presented, and produced in line with forecasted requirements and portion control standards.
- Support function and event catering as needed.
- Work closely with the Head Chef to accommodate special dietary requirements.
- Maintain excellent communication with patients, visitors, colleagues, suppliers, and wider Trust teams.
- Contribute to menu planning and development.
- Carry out audits and surveys relevant to the role.
- Uphold exemplary kitchen hygiene, food safety and cleaning standards in line with current legislation.
- Record food temperatures and follow all departmental procedures.
- Manage stock effectively, ensuring correct rotation, storage, and security of goods.
- Promote efficient use of Trust resources and ensure financial procedures are followed.
About us:
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available. Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
What You'll Bring:
- Experience working as a chef in a high-quality catering setting.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- A commitment to excellent food quality, safety and presentation.
- Confidence in using your judgement to resolve day-to-day operational issues.
- A positive, courteous and professional approach.
Qualifications:
- Essential: City & Guilds 706/1 and 2 or NVQ equivalent, Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene.
- Desirable: Intermediate Certificate in Food Hygiene, Knowledge of HACCP.
Experience:
- Essential: Career structure that shows a logical progression to a chef position in a similar size and/or NHS catering operation, Experience of working in a service led and customer focused environment.
- Desirable: Experience with both the commercial food service sector and/or an NHS catering operation.
Skills:
- Essential: Good knowledge of food safety / kitchen hygiene, Good command of written and spoken English, Ability to work efficiently and to time, Organised and methodical.
- Desirable: Good numeracy, Good communicator.
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.
Chef in High Wycombe employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in High Wycombe
✨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 National Health Service. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to National Health Service
Don't be shy about reaching out to National Health Service 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 Chef in High Wycombe
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 National Health Service 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 National Health Service
✨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!
