Chef

Priory Group; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Burgess Hill is seeking a full-time Chef to join their team. The successful candidate will prepare nutritious meals, maintain food hygiene standards, and collaborate with teams for effective kitchen operations. Ideal candidates have prior experience, relevant food hygiene certifications, and the ability to work flexibly. This position offers opportunities for professional development and numerous employee benefits, including training support and flexible perks.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Birthday Holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits including gym membership

Access to development opportunities

Sponsorship of professional qualifications

Leadership & management development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonuses

Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a chef in healthcare or large-scale catering.
• Understanding of food hygiene and safety standards.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals according to dietary guidelines.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness.
• Collaborate with kitchen and catering teams for timely meal service.

Skills

Food hygiene

Customer service

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 certification

Job description

Chef

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Priory Hospital Burgess Hill

Compensation: £27,500 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Burgess Hill is seeking to recruit a full-time Chef to join our team. This 37.5‑hour per week position includes some weekend shifts, with working hours typically varying between 9am–5pm and 10am–6pm.

Set in attractive grounds in a rural setting, on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Priory Hospital Burgess Hill is a purpose‑built building with good links to the local community. We offer acute mental health support for adult males, as well as psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) support for adult males.

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.

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals in accordance with hospital dietary guidelines, ensuring patient‑specific nutritional needs and preferences are met.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness in line with regulatory and hospital policies.
• Work collaboratively with kitchen and catering teams to ensure timely meal service and efficient kitchen operations.
• Assist with menu planning and food ordering to support budget management and minimise waste.
• Provide excellent customer service, responding to patient and staff dietary requests with professionalism and care.

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 have previous experience working as a chef, preferably in a healthcare or large‑scale catering environment. A solid understanding of food hygiene and safety standards is essential, with relevant certifications such as Food Hygiene Level 2 highly desirable. The candidate should be able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends, and a commitment to providing nutritious, high‑quality meals are essential.

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 day’s 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.