Assistant Head Cook

Overview

Previous Applicants Need Not Apply. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Assistant Head Cook to work as part of the catering team based at the Freeman Hospital, but also with the opportunity of working cross sites, in our different bases.

• Interview date: 18th February 2026
• 37 hours 30 minutes /week
• Enhanced rate of pay for working weekends and bank holidays.
• You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.

• You will work on a three-week rota cycle working two weekends out of every three on early and late shifts, the early shifts will be from 6am to 2pm and late shifts from 12.00pm to 20.00pm; an excellent weekend enhancement package is offered.
• Duties include preparation and cooking of hot & cold foods, the hygiene within the kitchen to include Temperature Controls of all products.
• You will also be responsible for the staff on duty within the kitchen to ensure all meals are completed for the patient meal service to the standards required providing approximately 700 meals per service.
• Knowledge and Experience with a broad range of cooking methods would be an advantage.
• You must be qualified to City & Guilds 706/2 or NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation and also have Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification or have the relevant experience in large scale catering. You must also provide proof of qualification or experience at the Interview.

• Essential – City & Guilds 706/2 or NVQ 3 (food preparation) or Significant Experience
• Essential – Basic Food Hygiene
• Desirable – Intermediate Food Hygiene Qualification
• Desirable – Previous experience in large scale catering
• Desirable – Knowledge of HACCP Principles Level 3 Supervisory Leadership or equivalent

• Demonstrate an understanding of managing Health & Safety and food hygiene principles
• Working in a customer focused environment
• Customer care
• Basic Information Technology skills to include Word and Excel
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to record information accurately

• Band Band 3
• Salary £24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum
• Contract Permanent
• Working pattern Full-time
• Job locations Freeman Hospital

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.