Chef

Chef

Application Deadline: 28 May 2026

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead

Compensation: £28,835 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. This is a full time 37.5 hours role working 07:30 - 17:30 4 days a week and every other weekend.

Located within picturesque grounds, Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead supports the NHS by offering level 2 rehabilitation services for male and female patients with severe and enduring mental health needs.

We also provide specialist Huntington's disease and dementia care for people living with these neurodegenerative conditions, as well as neuropsychiatry support.

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. While your role doesn't involve providing direct care, your contribution is vital in helping to maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you're assisting with day-to-day operations, keeping things organised, or ensuring our spaces are well looked after, your support plays an important part in creating a positive experience for those who live and work here.

The successful candidate will assist with the provision of a catering service within a Priory unit with particular emphasis on the planning, preparation, cooking and serving of meals.

• Undertakes the planning, preparation and cooking of meals, taking account of any special requests or dietary requirements within the unit.
• 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.
• Ensures that wastage is minimised; Assist the Head Chef by researching and creating modified menus ensuring meals are of a high quality and compliment healthy eating guidelines.
• Supervises assigned catering staff ensuring their quality of work continues to meet required operational standards and the company's Assured Safe Catering policies and guidelines.

What you'll bring to the role

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

In this role of a Chef, experience in healthcare is not essential, it is preferable as catering in a hospital setting can create some interesting challenges. You will already have relevant catering qualifications to at least NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and Level 2 in food hygiene. You will have a good understanding of food allergens and dietary requirements. You will report to the Head Chef and together with your colleagues you will ensure that patients, staff and visitors are offered tasty and nutritious meals which are prepared to a high standard. You will be supported by your senior management team, together with your colleagues, you will ensure that the healthcare team are supported to deliver high quality care.

For more information about the role, you can email

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Free on-site parking
• Birthday Holiday - your birthday as an extra days 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.