Job Description

Position: Head Chef

Band: 5 Location: Chelmsford

Pay Rate: £31,049-£37,796 Per Annum Hours: 37.5 per week (including on-call rota, 1 week in 5)

Job Summary

The Head Chef oversees the day-to-day running of the hospital kitchen, ensuring the delivery of safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors. This role involves managing kitchen staff, stock, and food safety standards while supporting service improvements and menu planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the kitchen team, ensuring excellent food quality and service.
• Maintain compliance with NHS, Trust, and HACCP food safety standards.
• Manage stock levels, ordering, and cost control.
• Oversee menu planning with the Chef Manager and dietetic teams.
• Conduct hygiene checks, risk assessments, and ensure kitchen safety.
• Support and train staff, promoting teamwork and high performance.
• Participate in audits and contribute to service improvement initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• NVQ Level 2 in Catering or equivalent qualification.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (CIEH Level 2).
• Minimum of 3 years’ catering experience in a healthcare or large-scale establishment.
• Proven experience supervising and managing kitchen staff.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.

Desirable Criteria:

• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate (CIEH Level 3).
• Experience working in hospital or healthcare catering.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergen management.
• Experience supporting menu development or service improvement initiatives.

Additional Information

• Must adhere to Trust policies, values, and health & safety standards.
• Flexibility required for occasional evening or weekend work.
• Job description may be updated to meet service needs.