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- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals while ensuring a welcoming environment for patients and staff.
- Company: Join Priory Hospital Newbury, a compassionate team supporting mental health recovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, 25 days leave, birthday holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ2 or equivalent in cooking, with food hygiene knowledge and kitchen experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and leadership training.
Chef
Department: Site Support Roles
Employment Type: Permanent – Part Time
Location: Priory Hospital Newbury
Compensation: £21,999 / year
Description
Priory Hospital Newbury is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. This is apart time 30 hours role. Priory Hospital Newbury, located Berkshire, is a level 2 rehabilitation service which supports male adults with mental health needs, who are working towards a life back in the community. We also provide an acute service, for local male and female patients who are in crisis and require a short admission for support.
We are well-placed to accept patients who need higher levels of care and intensive therapeutic support, as well as those stepping down in acuity.
What you\’ll be doing
You’ll be part of a dedicated and compassionate team, all working together to ensure the smooth running of the hospital and to support the wellbeing of our patients. While your role doesn’t involve providing direct care, your contribution is vital in helping to maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you\’re assisting with day‑to‑day operations, keeping things organised, or ensuring our spaces are well looked after, your support plays an important part in creating a positive experience for those who live and work here.
- Undertakes the planning, preparation and cooking of meals, taking account of any special requests or dietary requirements within the unit.
- Ensuring operational standards comply with the company’s Food Safety policies and guidelines and statutory regulations.
- Takes full shift responsibility for the catering operation (in the absence of the Head Chef).
- Ensures the cost‑effective and efficient control of stock including placing orders for food products and the checking/reconciliation of deliveries.
- Monitors and adapts food production ensuring that there is a minimum amount of wasted food.
You can find additional information in the attached job description.
What you\’ll bring to the role
Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.
The ideal candidate will be numerate, literate, and qualified to NVQ2 or equivalent, with a basic qualification in food hygiene. They should be able to organise and prioritise their own workload within established procedures while demonstrating excellent communication and negotiation skills. The ability to monitor costs and liaise effectively with suppliers, alongside strong organisation and time management, is essential. Knowledge of specialised diets, such as those for dysphagia or allergens, may also be required. First‑class customer service skills are a must, supported by experience within a professional kitchen environment and a proven track record of producing meals for large groups on time and within budget.
For more information about the role, you can email MarkLaing@priorygroup.com
What we will give you in return
We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.
- Free on‑site parking
- Birthday Holiday – Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Contributory pension scheme
- Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
- Access to development opportunities
- Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
- Leadership & management development
- Long service award
- Refer a friend bonuses
Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.
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Chef employer: PRIORY GROUP
Contact Detail:
PRIORY GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really help you stand out when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Priory Hospital Newbury. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you can cater to special dietary needs. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating delicious meals that make a difference.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in professional kitchens and any qualifications you have, like NVQ2 or food hygiene certifications. This helps us see why you're the perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your application. Let us know when you can work and if you have any flexibility. This helps us understand how you can fit into our schedule and support our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Priory Hospital Newbury!
How to prepare for a job interview at PRIORY GROUP
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and food safety regulations mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss how you would handle special requests or dietary needs during the interview will show that you’re not just a chef, but a thoughtful one who cares about the wellbeing of patients.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed kitchen operations, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight any experience you have with large groups and how you ensured meals were produced on time and within budget.
✨Demonstrate Your Resilience
Since the role can be challenging, think of a time when you faced difficulties in the kitchen and how you overcame them. Sharing these stories will illustrate your resilience and ability to adapt, which is crucial for this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the role and the hospital's mission. For example, ask about how the kitchen collaborates with other departments to support patient care. This will demonstrate your commitment to being part of a compassionate team.
