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- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals while ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join a leading mental health care provider in a beautiful setting.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on patients' wellbeing through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ2 or equivalent in food hygiene and experience in a professional kitchen.
- Other info: Supportive environment with pathways to leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
Priory Hospital North London is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. Located in London, in a peaceful and secluded part of Southgate, Priory Hospital North London is set within a striking Grade I listed building, overlooking beautiful parklands. It’s one of the UK’s leading centres for the treatment of a range of mental health difficulties, including addictions, depression, anxiety, stress and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). We also offer private autism assessments for adults. Since North London first opened its doors in 1986, we have worked tirelessly to establish our excellent reputation as a specialist provider of mental health care.
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.
- 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.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- 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.
- Ability to organise and prioritise their own workload within established procedures while demonstrating excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to monitor costs and liaise effectively with suppliers, alongside strong organisation and time management.
- 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.
What we will give you in return:
- Regular career conversations and support.
- Free on-site parking.
- Birthday Holiday - your birthday as an extra day’s 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.
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 friends, family, or even former colleagues in the culinary world. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your chef skills showcased! Consider doing a trial shift or a cooking demo if the opportunity arises. It’s a great way to show off your culinary flair and fit within the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay flexible and open-minded! Sometimes the perfect job isn’t what you expected. Be willing to explore different roles within the kitchen that could lead to your dream position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right at your fingertips.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you can cater to different dietary needs. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating delicious meals!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role at Priory Hospital North London. Highlight your experience in a professional kitchen and any relevant qualifications, like NVQ2 or food hygiene certifications. This helps us see why you're the perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your information well so we can easily see your skills and experiences. Remember, we appreciate good communication just as much as culinary talent!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
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 Empathy
Since this role is in a mental health setting, it’s crucial to convey your understanding of the importance of creating a welcoming environment. Be ready to discuss how your natural empathy can enhance the dining experience for patients and staff alike.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the role and the hospital's mission. Inquire about the types of meals typically served or how the kitchen collaborates with other departments to support patient care. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of their team.
