Second Chef

Job Description:

Second Chef

New Victoria Hospital
184 Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7EG
Full Time, 37.5 hours | Permanent

Competitive Pay and excellent Benefits

Salary enhancements on weekends

We Make Health Happen

At New Victoria Hospital, we're committed to delivering exceptional patient experiences through outstanding clinical care and support services. Great food plays an important role in a patient's recovery and overall experience, and we're looking for an experienced Second Chef to help us deliver high-quality, nutritious meals to patients, visitors and colleagues every day.

How You'll Help Us Make Health Happen

Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll support the day-to-day operation of the hospital kitchen, ensuring food is prepared and presented to the highest standards while complying with all food safety and hygiene requirements.

You'll play a key role in delivering an exceptional dining experience by producing nutritious, high-quality meals and supporting the smooth running of a busy catering service.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present meals to consistently high standards.
• Support the planning and development of menus that are nutritious, varied and patient focused.
• Ensure all meals are produced in line with dietary, allergen and nutritional requirements.
• Assist with stock control, ordering and inventory management.
• Monitor food quality, portion control and presentation standards.
• Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene and infection prevention standards.
• Complete daily kitchen documentation, including temperature monitoring and cleaning records.
• Minimise food waste and contribute to efficient cost management.
• Support and guide catering team members to ensure a collaborative and productive working environment.
• Deputise for the Head Chef when required.
• Contribute to catering for special events and functions across the hospital.
• Build positive working relationships with clinical and operational teams to support excellent patient care.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Professional Cookery, Catering or equivalent qualification.
• Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Significant experience working within a professional catering environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and kitchen hygiene standards.
• Experience of stock control, ordering and cost management.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible approach with the ability to work across a 7-day rota.

Desirable

• Previous experience within a healthcare or hospital setting.
• Advanced catering or culinary qualifications.
• Knowledge of specialist dietary requirements and therapeutic diets.

Benefits

At New Victoria Hospital, we want to reward our staff for the amazing job that they do.

As part of the team, you will have access to a range of benefits for your work and home life.

We offer a variety of benefits that take into consideration how you commute to work, your health and well-being and recognising your service and any staff referrals you make to the Hospital.

Take a look at the full range of benefits on offer when working here:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days + bank holidays increasing with length of service
• In-house training for all staff
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Access to subsidised staff restaurant
• Interest free travel loan
• Private healthcare (T&Cs Apply)
• Bicycle Loan Scheme
• Retailer discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme

Part of a Globally Trusted Healthcare Group

When you join New Victoria, you also become part of Bupa — a global healthcare leader with the scale, stability and expertise of a major international brand. Being backed by Bupa means access to an extensive network of clinical and operational specialists, shared best practice from across the organisation, and the support of well-established systems that help you grow, develop and deliver exceptional care. Our size gives us strength, while our purpose keeps us personal.

We champion diversity and want our people to reflect the communities we serve. Everyone is encouraged to "Be you at Bupa", and we actively welcome colleagues from all backgrounds and experiences. Bupa takes pride in being a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and will aim to offer an interview/assessment to disabled applicants who best meet the minimum criteria for the role. We're committed to ensuring you're treated fairly during the recruitment process and offer reasonable adjustments to anyone who may benefit from accommodations to the recruitment process.

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