Chef

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

Job summary

A leading mental health care provider in London is looking for a Chef to join their team. In this role, you will plan, prepare, and cook meals while ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have an NVQ2 or equivalent in catering, experience in a professional kitchen, and excellent organizational and communication skills. This position offers opportunities for professional development and includes perks such as free on-site parking and flexible benefits.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Birthday Holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits

Development opportunities

Sponsorship of professional qualifications

Leadership & management development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonuses

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Proven track record of producing meals for large groups.
• Knowledge of specialized diets like dysphagia or allergens.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook meals considering dietary requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety policies and regulations.
• Take responsibility for the catering operation in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Control stock efficiently, placing orders and checking deliveries.
• Minimize food waste through monitoring food production.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Customer service skills

Ability to monitor costs

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

NVQ2 or equivalent in catering

Basic qualification in food hygiene

Job description

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Bank

Location: Priory Hospital North London

Compensation: £12.48 / hour

Description

Priory Hospital North London is looking to recruit a Chef to join the team. Located in London, in a peaceful and secluded part of Southgate, Priory Hospital North London is set within a striking Grade I listed building, overlooking beautiful parklands.

It’s one of the UK’s leading centres for the treatment of a range of mental health difficulties, including addictions, depression, anxiety, stress and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). We also offer private autism assessments for adults.

Since North London first opened its doors in 1986, we have worked tirelessly to establish our excellent reputation as a specialist provider of mental health care.

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, literate, and qualified to NVQ2 or equivalent, with a basic qualification in food hygiene. They should be able to organise and prioritise their own workload within established procedures while demonstrating excellent communication and negotiation skills. The ability to monitor costs and liaise effectively with suppliers, alongside strong organisation and time management, is essential. Knowledge of specialised diets, such as those for dysphagia or allergens, may also be required. First‑class customer service skills are a must, supported by experience within a professional kitchen environment and a proven track record of producing meals for large groups 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.