Assistant Head Chef

Assistant Head Chef

The closing date is 19 July 2026.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHUT) is searching for an Assistant Head Chef to manage the daily running of the Main Kitchen and support the Head Chef in delivering a high quality food service across B Level Restaurant, Stacked Retail Unit, E Level Café and various functions.

Hours and days: 37.5 hours - 5 days over 7 days, including every other weekend and Bank Holidays.

Main duties of the role

• Run the Main Kitchen in partnership with the Head Chef.
• Ensure a high quality food service across all venues.
• Supervise a team of 14 kitchen staff in the preparation of fresh food for staff, patients and visitors.
• Maintain a clean, safe and hygienic working environment.
• Adhere to Food Safety Regulations, HACCP, allergen regulations, and NHS guidelines.
• Check portion control, temperature, presentation and compliance with regulations.
• Cover the Head Chef in their absence.
• Maintain departmental records and complete external and internal reporting.
• Handle patient and customer comments and manage the security of the kitchen area.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in supervising all aspects of kitchen service.
• Provide a high quality catering service in line with operational procedures.
• Communicate food service requirements to staff and other stakeholders.
• Supervise food production, including special diets.
• Organise day to day tasks and show initiative.
• Manage the ordering of provisions and record-keeping.
• Maintain temperature records of refrigerators and freezers.
• Participate in performance and development reviews and audits.
• Demonstrate courteous behaviour and confidentiality.
• Complete timesheets, holiday sheets and sickness notes.

Qualifications

• NVQ1 and NVQ2 in Cooking for the Catering Industry.
• City & Guilds 706/1, 706/2.
• Intermediate Food Safety Certificate.
• Food Allergy and Intolerance Certificate.
• Relevant supervisory experience in catering.

Experience

• Teamwork and independent initiative.
• Ability to follow instructions and respond constructively to unpredictable situations.
• Calm focus under pressure and flexible adaptability.

Person Specification

Applicants must demonstrate a respectful and calm disposition at all times and possess knowledge of HACCP, Food Safety Regulations and a broad range of cooking skills. Candidates should provide at least three years of employment and/or professional references in line with Trust guidelines.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required.

Employer name

Equans Working with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

The Trust is committed to valuing diversity and equal opportunities. Portsmouth Hospital NHS Trust has a smoke free policy; smoking is prohibited on-site.

Please see attached full job description.