Production Chef - Synchronicity Care Ltd

The closing date for this vacancy is 17 March 2026

Job summary

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed individual to influence and contribute as part of the award winning Catering Services team at Darlington Memorial Hospital .

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable and self-motivated people to become a part of our team for the safe production of over 20,000 meals per week within a Central Production Unit(CPU) .

Successful applicants will be expected to display their ability to operate in a very busy environment whilst displaying Impeccable hygiene standards, knowledge and practices.

The successful applicant will have :

A good knowledge of catering practices and procedures will be required which may have been gained in a similar hospital environment or in the catering private sector.

Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations.

Good knowledge of ingredient recipes and associated allergens will also be essential.

Demonstrate a can do attitude

The hours are predominantly Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 12.30 a.m. including Bank Holidays and occasional weekend work when required

Main duties of the job

To work under the direction of the Food Production Supervisor for the cooking of nutritious and appetizing meals and snacks for staff and visitors, according to planned menu using specified recipes, methods and systems for cook chill catering to the highest possible standards nutritional, temperature, quality, presentation, hygiene and safety and allergen regulations

To be involved in the preparation of all cook chill/freeze products, adhering strictly to standard recipes, methods and production planning adhered to.

Ensure high standards of food quality from point of purchase to meal preparation, cooking and service, ensuring quality control process throughout.

To be committed for the developing of new menu items for the Catering service

To ensure temperature monitoring and recording of all produced meals/foodstuffs and food storage equipment in accordance with standards as laid down in the Catering Departments Policies and Procedures and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points(HACCP)

Assist with receipt, quality assurance and stock control of goods received into the catering stores. Correct storage and security of goods, adhering to stock rotation practices

About us

SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non-clinical services The company is a separate legal body to CDDFT.

SCL offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ to the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company you will benefit from:

A Competitive salary
Access to a pension scheme – National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (this is over and above the minimum contribution rate at the present time)
Night Shift Working Allowances (where appropriate)
Bank Holiday Working Allowances (where appropriate)

Bank work is offered on an ‘as and when’ basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro-rata hourly rate for hours worked only

Job description

Job responsibilities

To support and assist the Food Production Supervisor and Catering Manager in the provision of a highly professional catering service within the CPU at Darlington Memorial Hospital and to ensure that high quality standards are met at all times

To follow the policies and procedures laid down by the catering services in the day to day operational management of the CPU and to ensure a high quality and cost effective service

To ensure that food safety regulations are adhered to at all times.

Provide and maintain a highly customer focused facility.

Ensure that communication channels are maintained between appropriate staff / visitor / patient groups with regard to patient feeding.

Work in a safe manner so that no other persons are put at risk whilst completing the required duties.

Initially deal with any complaints / comments regarding the service in a courteous manner from Trust staff or patients.

Developing staff preferences, promoting flexible working arrangements, and encourage change of working practice following major life changing events.

To represent SCL in participating in the NHS Chef of the Year competition, in accordance with competition rules.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

706/1 or equivalent (E)
706/2 or equivalent (E)
Basic English and maths (E)
Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene(E)
Level 3 Certificate in Food Hygiene or working towards it (E)
A good standard of literacy and numeracy (E)

Desirable

Customer care experience(D)
Health and safety(D)
COSSH(D)

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Natural & enthusiastic staff member (E)
Ability to follow clear instructions and feedback to senior staff (E)
Committed to quality customer care/delivering excellent customer service.(E)
Effective interpersonal skills (E)
Able to work with minimal supervision following set procedures. (E)
Flexible approach to work and adaptable to change(E)
Good manual dexterity, physical fitness(E)
Ability to work shifts and weekends and have flexibility to needs of the service(E)
Good timekeeping(E)
Basic numeracy(E)
Basic keyboard skills (E)
Knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations, COSHH and Health & Safety (E)

Desirable

Clean Driving license (D)

Special Requirements

Essential

Ability to work shifts and weekends and have flexibility to needs of the service(E)

Desirable

Health and safety(D)

Experience

Essential

Experience of working within a kitchen environment(E)

Desirable

Cook Chill Experience(D)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.