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The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Sous Chef

The closing date is 03 June 2025

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Job summary

Exciting times ahead in the catering department as we expand our team .We are looking for a dynamic individual to support the Head chef in leading the department to excellence . In the absence of the Head Chef you will be the lead for the Kitchen and responsible for overseeing the completion of all legal requirements ,staff management ,ordering and training and ensuring the patients, staff and visitors receive nutritious high quality food .

Main duties of the job

  1. Support the team and assist the Head chef
  2. Be involved in the creation of new menus with the leadership team.
  3. Share knowledge with team members to enhance CPD.
  4. Ensure that nutritious high quality food is prepared and served.
  5. Ensure Food arrives on time
  6. Maintain high standards of Food Hygiene.
  7. Maintain H.A.C.C.P compliance.

About us

This is an exciting time for the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. We are on a digital transformation journey leading us to our brand new hospital.

We believe that our people are our greatest asset. That's why we invest in continuous learning, career development, and personal growth. From nurses to administrators, everyone has a role to play in our success story.

Details

Date posted

23 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year plus 5% high cost area supplement

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

292-7204408-E&F

Job locations

Princess Alexandra NHS Trust

Hamstel road

Harlow

CM20 1QX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring food is prepared, cooked, and presented to high standards. Assist with recipe development, ensuring that meals align with hospital dietary guidelines and patient nutrition requirements. Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety regulations and Trust policies and deputise in the absence of the Head Chef Ensure accurate stock control, including ordering, checking deliveries, monitoring expiry dates, and reducing food waste. Maintain compliance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) procedures Ensure all food is labelled correctly, stored at appropriate temperatures, and handled following Trust food safety policies. Ensure all catering staff are using the labels correctly, stored at appropriate temperatures, and handled following Trust food safety policies. Conduct food quality control checks, including tasting, portion sizing, and presentation standards. Ensure kitchen cleanliness is maintained, including workstations, equipment, and storage areas. Assist with budget management, ensuring food production is cost-effective while maintaining quality standards. Oversee meal plating and service, ensuring that all food is nutritious, well-presented, and delivered on time. Conduct risk assessments for kitchen activities, ensuring staff follow safe working practices. Train and support staff in best practices for food preparation, hygiene, and kitchen safety. Support compliance with Trust sustainability policies, reducing waste and promoting efficiency. Act as the lead chef in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring kitchen operations run smoothly. Attend mandatory training sessions, including food hygiene, health & safety, and COSHH training.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring food is prepared, cooked, and presented to high standards. Assist with recipe development, ensuring that meals align with hospital dietary guidelines and patient nutrition requirements. Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety regulations and Trust policies and deputise in the absence of the Head Chef Ensure accurate stock control, including ordering, checking deliveries, monitoring expiry dates, and reducing food waste. Maintain compliance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) procedures Ensure all food is labelled correctly, stored at appropriate temperatures, and handled following Trust food safety policies. Ensure all catering staff are using the labels correctly, stored at appropriate temperatures, and handled following Trust food safety policies. Conduct food quality control checks, including tasting, portion sizing, and presentation standards. Ensure kitchen cleanliness is maintained, including workstations, equipment, and storage areas. Assist with budget management, ensuring food production is cost-effective while maintaining quality standards. Oversee meal plating and service, ensuring that all food is nutritious, well-presented, and delivered on time. Conduct risk assessments for kitchen activities, ensuring staff follow safe working practices. Train and support staff in best practices for food preparation, hygiene, and kitchen safety. Support compliance with Trust sustainability policies, reducing waste and promoting efficiency. Act as the lead chef in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring kitchen operations run smoothly. Attend mandatory training sessions, including food hygiene, health & safety, and COSHH training.

Person Specification

qualifications and experiance

Essential

  • Catering qualifications
  • 5 years catering experiance
  • previous leadership in catering
  • Minimum level 2 food hygiene certifiication
  • Passion for cooking

Desirable

  • Previous NHS employment
  • 2 years previous leadership in catering
  • Level 3 food hygiene
  • HACCP Training
  • Allergen training
  • Ordering and stock taking experience

person specification

Essential

  • city and guilds 7062 or equivelent

Desirable

  • Haccp qualificATION
Person Specification

qualifications and experiance

Essential

  • Catering qualifications
  • 5 years catering experiance
  • previous leadership in catering
  • Minimum level 2 food hygiene certifiication
  • Passion for cooking

Desirable

  • Previous NHS employment
  • 2 years previous leadership in catering
  • Level 3 food hygiene
  • HACCP Training
  • Allergen training
  • Ordering and stock taking experience

person specification

Essential

  • city and guilds 7062 or equivelent

Desirable

  • Haccp qualificATION

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

Princess Alexandra NHS Trust

Hamstel road

Harlow

CM20 1QX


Employer's website

https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

Princess Alexandra NHS Trust

Hamstel road

Harlow

CM20 1QX


Employer's website

https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Catering Manager

Graham Parker

Graham.parker2@nhs.net

01279827104

Details

Date posted

23 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year plus 5% high cost area supplement

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

292-7204408-E&F

Job locations

Princess Alexandra NHS Trust

Hamstel road

Harlow

CM20 1QX


Supporting documents

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