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- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals that support health and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Earn £12.92 per hour with excellent benefits and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for growth in a diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and knowledge of food hygiene regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: University Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD
Salary: £12.92 per hour plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Full-time 37.5 hours per week working shifts between 6am and 7pm; shifts will include weekends.
Role
As a Cook in our Retail Catering Services team at University Hospital Southampton, you’ll play a vital role in preparing and serving food that supports patient recovery, colleague wellbeing and visitor experience. Your work will directly contribute to a safe, welcoming and nourishing environment across the hospital. This is a hands-on, purposeful role where quality, care and consistency matter. You’ll help create a positive impact for everyone who relies on our catering service.
What You’ll Do
- Prepare, produce, present and serve daily menu items for patients, colleagues and visitors
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and cleanliness across all food preparation and service areas
- Support the supervision of servery operations and service delivery
- Assist with stock control, monitoring wastage and ensuring economical use of ingredients
- Prepare therapeutic and special diets in line with nutritional and dietary requirements
- Contribute ideas for new menu lines, themed days and service improvements
What You’ll Need
- Proven experience working in a busy catering or food production environment
- A good working knowledge of food hygiene regulations and HACCP principles
- The ability to work confidently with kitchen equipment, recipes and standard procedures
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, with a customer-focused approach
- A flexible, reliable attitude and pride in delivering quality service
Notes
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
About Serco: Serco is a global service company delivering essential public services. We encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool and can make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas and are committed to building an inclusive organisation.
Chef in Southampton employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Retail Catering Services team at University Hospital Southampton. Understanding their values and how they contribute to patient care can help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work or even a portfolio if you have one. Whether it’s photos of dishes you’ve created or menus you’ve designed, showcasing your culinary creativity can really impress.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical tests! In a chef role, you might be asked to demonstrate your cooking skills on the spot. Brush up on your techniques and be prepared to whip up something delicious that aligns with their standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can set you apart. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking and food preparation shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your dedication to quality and care in the kitchen – it’s what we value most!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous roles in catering or food production. We want to know how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on mentioning specific tasks you’ve excelled at!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, but feel free to inject a bit of your personality to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of dishes you might be preparing and serving. Research common dietary requirements and therapeutic diets, as this will show your understanding of the role and your commitment to patient care.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss food hygiene regulations and HACCP principles during the interview. You could even mention specific practices you follow to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, which is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a busy kitchen environment, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive working atmosphere.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Think about potential menu improvements or themed days you could suggest. This shows your creativity and willingness to enhance the catering service, making you stand out as a proactive candidate.