Assistant Head Cook

Overview

Assistant Head Cook – Band 3

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS hospital trusts in the country. We have around 16,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.7 billion. We are committed to equality and diversity and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are proud to be an exemplar organisation across the NHS on sustainability and are working towards Net Zero targets.

Location:

Freeman Hospital, with cross-site opportunities across our bases.

• Interview date: 18 February 2026
• Hours:
  
  37 hours 30 minutes per week
• Enhanced rate of pay for working weekends and bank holidays
• Direct application via the vacancy details; no agency applications

• Work on a three-week rota cycle with two weekends out of every three on early (6:00–14:00) and late (12:00–20:00) shifts; weekend enhancement package available.
• Prepare and cook hot and cold foods; maintain kitchen hygiene and temperature controls for all products.
• Lead and supervise staff on duty to ensure patient meals are prepared to required standards (approximately 700 meals per service).
• Knowledge and experience with a broad range of cooking methods is advantageous.
• Must be qualified to City & Guilds 706/2 or NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation and have Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification, or equivalent large‑scale catering experience. Provide proof of qualification/experience at interview.

Essential criteria

• City & Guilds 706/2 or NVQ 3 (food preparation) or significant experience
• Basic Food Hygiene

Desirable criteria

• Intermediate Food Hygiene Qualification
• Previous experience in large‑scale catering
• Knowledge of HACCP Principles Level 3 Supervisory Leadership or equivalent

• Understanding of managing Health & Safety and food hygiene principles
• Customer focused environment and customer care
• Basic IT skills (Word, Excel)
• Ability to prioritise workload and record information accurately

We are flexible and strive to accommodate flexible working arrangements where possible. We deliver care from multiple sites including Royal Victoria Infirmary, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Dental Hospital, and other locations. Details on staff benefits are available under attached documents.

Please see attached information on Staff Benefits under Documents to download. For more information about the Trust, please visit our Careers site.

• Working supervisory role with emphasis on food hygiene and safety standards, quality control, and supervisory management.
• All references from current and previous employers will be sought for at least 3 years of employment; provide details of your line managers that cover 3 years at application.
• DBS payment: successful candidates requiring a DBS may have the cost deducted from the first month’s pay.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e‑mail; check inbox and SPAM. If not contacted within 4 weeks of closing date, assume unsuccessful.

Documents to download include the Assistant Head Cook (PDF), Newcastle Staff Benefits (PDF), and the Behaviour and Civility Charter (PDF). For informal enquiries, contact:

Name:
Iain Clarke

Job title:

Deputy Trust Catering Manager
Email:
Telephone: