Hospital Cook – Full‑time Temporary Role

About the role

We are looking for a qualified Hospital Cook to join a fast‑paced patient services team at a large healthcare facility in the Portsmouth area. This temporary, full‑time position involves preparing fresh, high‑quality meals for both patient feeding and retail operations.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare dishes from fresh ingredients following approved recipes for patient and retail sectors.
• Ensure strict compliance with HACCP guidelines, allergen regulations and Natasha’s Law.
• Maintain quality assurance logs, track food wastage and update administrative records.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely, including combination ovens, high‑pressure steamers, Bratt pans and mixers.
• Lead the catering environment in the absence of senior kitchen management and coach relief staff.
• Manage inventory deliveries, transport provisions or waste safely and keep the workstation clean.

Required profile

• Valid Standard DBS check.
• NVQ Level 2 (or City & Guilds 706/2) with at least 5 years industry experience, or NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery.
• Level 3 Food Safety Certificate and Food Allergy & Intolerance Certificate.
• Physically fit for manual handling, heavy stock cages and standing for an 8‑hour shift.
• High attention to detail, flexibility and ability to work calmly under pressure.

Required skills

• HACCP compliance
• Allergen regulation knowledge
• Operation of combination ovens
• Operation of high‑pressure steamers
• Operation of Bratt pans
• Operation of mixing machinery
• Food safety (Level 3) practices
• Food allergy and intolerance handling

What we offer

• Base pay rate of £17 per hour.
• Weekend uplift: 30 % on Saturdays, 60 % on Sundays.
• 37.5 hours per week, rotating Monday‑Sunday shifts (11:00‑19:00).
• Dark‑clothing dress code (no joggers).
• Opportunity to support critical healthcare services.