Deputy Head Chef — Lead Innovative NHS Catering Team

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Training and development

Job summary

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Deputy Head Chef to lead the Catering Department and support the Executive Head Chef in delivering high‑quality meals for patients, staff and visitors in a fast‑paced hospital setting.

This hands‑on leadership role covers menu planning, staff supervision, stock control, dietary management, HACCP compliance and continuous service improvement, with a focus on patient, staff and visitor satisfaction.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds/NVQ Level 1 and 2 in Catering Services or equivalent.
• Supervisory experience in large-scale catering with budgetary awareness.
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational, staff-management and IT skills.
• Knowledge of food-safety legislation, HACCP Level 4 principles, COSHH and specialist diets.
• Knowledge of NHS Standard Recipes desirable.

Responsibilities

• Allocate duties to all kitchen staff on a daily basis following an assessment of competence.
• To liaise with ward staff regarding menu changes and individual dietary information details for patients.
• To work closely with the other Catering Supervisors and to attend meetings as required with ward and departmental staff on behalf of the Catering Department.
• It is essential that the post holder has knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Health and Safety.
• Management training to Advanced Food Hygiene standard required to process theoretical and professional knowledge gained through specialised courses and experience.
• To carry out menu planning with full knowledge of standard recipes and food production in large scale catering operations.
• Must have thorough knowledge of therapeutic diets acquired through training and experience.
• To audit and review the temperature recording procedures in the Catering department in line with the HACCP.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Food safety

Menu planning

HACCP knowledge

Communication

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ Level 1 and 2 in Catering Services

Tools

MANNA Stock System

Monika refrigeration monitoring system

Job description

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Deputy Head Chef to lead the Catering Department and support the Executive Head Chef in delivering high‑quality meals for patients, staff and visitors in a fast‑paced hospital setting.

This hands‑on leadership role covers menu planning, staff supervision, stock control, dietary management, HACCP compliance and continuous service improvement, with a focus on patient, staff and visitor satisfaction.