Bank Chef

Priory Group; Ayr; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Ayr seeks a Bank Chef to prepare meals and ensure compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will hold NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and have experience working in a professional kitchen. Key responsibilities include planning and preparing meals, managing stock, and maintaining a welcoming environment for patients. The role offers competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Free on‑site parking

Birthday Holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits including gym membership

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Resilient with empathy to support others.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload.
• Demonstrated ability to produce meals for large groups efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook meals considering dietary requirements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety policies.
• Take full responsibility for catering operations when needed.
• Control stock and manage deliveries effectively.
• Monitor and adapt food production to minimize waste.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong organisational abilities

Time management skills

Ability to monitor costs

Experience in professional kitchen

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Basic food hygiene qualification

Job description

Bank Chef

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Bank

Location: Ayr Clinic

Compensation: £14.67 / hour

Description

Priory Hospital Ayr Clinic is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team.

Based in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, Priory Hospital Ayr Clinic is a low secure service for males and females with a mental health diagnosis and/or a personality disorder. We can support people from all over the UK. Lochlea House and Gatehouse are two stepdown services located in Ayrshire which are part of Ayr Clinic also.

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.
• Monitors and adapts food production ensuring that there is a minimum amount of wasted food.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

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.

The ideal candidate will be numerate and literate, qualified to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, and hold a basic food hygiene qualification. They will be able to organise and prioritise their own workload within established procedures, demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation skills, and show strong organisational and time management abilities. The role requires the ability to monitor costs and liaise effectively with suppliers, deliver first‑class customer service, and, where required, apply knowledge of specialised diets such as dysphagia and allergens. The candidate will also have experience working in a professional kitchen environment, with a proven ability to produce meals for large groups efficiently, on time, and within budget.

For more information about the role, you can email [e-mail]

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.