Employer: Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Location: Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, United Kingdom
Salary: £26,928 – £29,551 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed-term (until 30th September 2025)
Working Hours: 35 hours per week | Shift-based, including mornings, afternoons, weekends, and bank holidays
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: Available
Closing Date: 06 February 2025
Job Summary
Are you a skilled chef looking to advance your career in a fast-paced, professional healthcare catering environment? Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to join the Facilities team at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to provide high-quality meals to patients, staff, and visitors while ensuring the highest standards of food hygiene and safety. The successful candidate will work as part of a dedicated hospital catering team, preparing nutritious meals that contribute to patient well-being.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with a passion for cooking, strong leadership skills, and the ability to inspire and supervise a catering team. If you have experience in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management, this role is ideal for you.
This position also offers Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, making it a great opportunity for international candidates seeking a long-term career in the UK.
Key Responsibilities
Catering Operations & Food Preparation
- Assist in managing daily kitchen operations to ensure the timely preparation and delivery of high-quality meals.
- Supervise Cooks, Catering Assistants, and Porters to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
- Ensure all meals meet NHS dietary guidelines, maintaining high standards of taste, nutrition, and presentation.
- Oversee portion control and meal consistency before service.
- Monitor menu planning and ingredient ordering based on the Synbiotix System, patient dietary needs, and staff preferences.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Maintain strict food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring full compliance with NHS catering regulations.
- Conduct quality checks on food preparation, cooking temperatures, and storage.
- Manage stock control and purchasing to minimize waste and maximize cost efficiency.
- Regularly inspect food service areas, equipment, and storage facilities to ensure cleanliness and compliance with health regulations.
Leadership & Team Supervision
- Deputize in the absence of the Assistant Operational Services Manager, overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations.
- Allocate duties to Catering Assistants and Porters, ensuring efficient workflow.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting professional growth and development.
- Provide training to junior staff, ensuring compliance with hospital catering standards.
Customer & Patient Engagement
- Liaise with nursing staff and hospital departments to ensure patient meal preferences and dietary requirements are met.
- Address any food-related complaints or concerns and implement necessary improvements.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential Requirements:
- City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or equivalent NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Professional Cookery.
- Advanced Food Hygiene (Level 4) qualification (or willingness to train towards it).
- Proven experience in a professional catering environment, preferably in healthcare or large-scale food service.
- Strong knowledge of menu planning, portion control, and food safety regulations.
- Experience managing kitchen staff and food production schedules.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience:
- NEBS/ILM Management qualification or equivalent.
- Experience in ordering food supplies and managing kitchen budgets.
- Understanding of special dietary requirements, including allergen control.
- Welsh language skills (Level 1) or willingness to learn.
Why Join Aneurin Bevan University Health Board?
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation, providing outstanding healthcare services to a population of 650,000 people. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, offering exceptional career development opportunities.
Employee Benefits:
- Competitive salary and access to the NHS pension scheme.
- Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship for eligible international candidates.
- Paid training and development programs, with opportunities to gain recognized catering qualifications.
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
- Occupational health support and access to mental health and well-being services.
- NHS staff discounts on travel, shopping, and leisure activities.
- Career progression pathways, including catering and facilities management leadership roles.
At Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, we recognize that our catering staff play a crucial role in patient recovery and well-being. Whether you are looking to develop your career in NHS catering or bring your culinary expertise to a healthcare setting, this role provides stability, career growth, and a rewarding work environment.
Visa Sponsorship & Right to Work in the UK
We welcome applications from international candidates who require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. All applications will be considered in line with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations.
Criminal Record Check: This position requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
For further details on Skilled Worker Visa eligibility, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 06 February 2025
If you’re ready to take the next step in your culinary career, apply now to become an Assistant Head Chef at Nevill Hall Hospital.
Apply Here and join our mission to provide exceptional catering services in a dynamic NHS environment.
Why This Role is a Great Opportunity
- Work in a healthcare environment where your role directly contributes to patient recovery and well-being.
- Join a reputable NHS trust known for career growth and staff support.
- Gain valuable experience in hospital catering and food service management.
- Receive competitive NHS pay and benefits while working in a stable, full-time role.
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your culinary career in the NHS. Apply today!