Job overview

The Catering Department at Dorset County Hospital is seeking a chef to join our team in the kitchen and deliver excellent service to patients, Staff, and Visitors. We pride ourselves on the high standards of our kitchens and food and hope you will be a key member of our growing team. We are looking for a chef who wants to use their skills and passion for food to help people and work in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Disclaimer: As a Bank Worker, the nature of your engagement will be seen as on a day-to-day basis. You are entitled to choose whether to accept engagements which will be offered to you. A statement does not constitute a contract of employment, nor is the Trust under any obligation to offer you any engagement or further engagement under these terms. The job description for this Bank role relates to the equivalent substantive position. Whilst engaged by the Trust you would be expected to operate within the requirements of the job description.

Please be aware that this role is not CURRENTLY eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants should be aware of the requirement to independently obtain ongoing right to work in the UK beyond the expiry of any temporary or time-limited permissions. Evidence of this will need to be shared with the HR Team to ensure our records remain up to date.  

Main duties of the job

As a Chef in the Catering Department, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to patients, staff, and visitors while upholding strict food safety and hygiene standards.

Working as part of a dedicated team, you will prepare and present meals in line with dietary requirements and hospital protocols. You will oversee food preparation, hygiene, and safety across all catering areas, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices. 

Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Cooking: Prepare and cook meals following hospital menus, ensuring quality, taste, and presentation.

Menu Planning: Assist in developing seasonal menus tailored to patient dietary needs, balancing nutrition, taste, and budget.

Stock Management: Manage food supplies, ordering, storing, and rotating stock to minimise waste.

Food Safety & Hygiene: Maintain compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP) and ensure kitchen cleanliness.

Team Leadership: Mentor junior kitchen staff, providing training and support.

Meal Service Coordination: Work with the catering team to ensure timely meal delivery while maintaining quality.

Collaboration with Healthcare Staff: Partner with dietitians and nutritionists to meet patient dietary needs.

Customer Service: Ensure a positive dining experience, addressing special requests professionally.

This role is essential to delivering safe, nutritious meals and supporting patient care.

Working for our organisation

At Dorset County Hospital, we are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our dynamic catering team during an exciting period of transformation. As a valued team member, you will play a key role in driving change and ensuring the delivery of high-quality meals to our patients, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Our catering team is small yet incredibly supportive. We rely on each other to succeed, especially when working under pressure. As part of this team, you'll be encouraged to lead by example, motivating and inspiring your colleagues to deliver their best daily work.

The Trust is committed to supporting the development and success of every team member. We offer comprehensive support systems to help you reach your career goals, including guidance from HR, the Staff Union, and various well-being initiatives such as Vivup and Steps to Wellbeing.

Within the catering department, you’ll find a diverse and welcoming group of individuals who treat each other like family. Our team thrives on collaboration, and we celebrate the unique qualities that each member brings to the table. We believe in positive encouragement, providing ample opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement to those who show dedication and commitment.