Jobs and Careers

Chef

Priory

Priory Hospital Middleton St George, United Kingdomfull_timeVerifiedPosted 5 Aug 2026

💰 £34,000/yr

About the role

Chef

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Priory Hospital Middleton St George

Compensation: £34,000 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Middleton St George
£29,645 - £34,000 per annum
Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

Priory Hospital Middleton St George has an opportunity for a chef to join our team.

Set in spacious and relaxing grounds, Priory Hospital Middleton St George, located in Darlington, County Durham, is a specialist inpatient service for adults with mental health issues, complex needs and behaviours that challenge. We are dedicated to supporting people to transfer effortlessly between the most appropriate care, meeting individual needs, enabling recovery and re-engagement within the community, and maximising life opportunities.

We accept referrals from a wide variety of public sector organisations throughout the UK, including special hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, prisons, courts, low secure units (LSUs), medium secure units (MSUs), forensic lead commissioners, social services, NHS Mental Health Trusts, GPs, the police and others.

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.

Undertakes the planning, preparation and cooking of meals, taking account of any special requests or dietary requirements within the unit
Ensuring operational standards comply with the company’s Food Safety policies and guidelines and statutory regulations.
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.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Essential for the role

Previous experience working in a professional kitchen.
NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Catering/Professional Cookery.
Basic Food Hygiene qualification.
Ability to prepare and cook meals for large groups to a high standard.
Good organisation, time management and communication skills.
Knowledge of food safety regulations and kitchen hygiene standards.

The following experience would be beneficial

Experience catering within a healthcare, care home or hospital setting.
Knowledge of specialist diets, including dysphagia, allergens and nutritional requirements.
Experience managing stock, ordering supplies and reducing food waste.
Previous experience supervising or supporting a small kitchen team.
Experience creating varied, nutritious menus and working within budget.

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.