Executive Chef

West London NHS Trust; Buckler's Park; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Buckler's Park is seeking an Executive Chef Manager to oversee catering, retail, and hospitality operations. The role requires strong leadership, hands-on involvement in service delivery, and a commitment to high standards of food quality. The ideal candidate will ensure operational excellence and foster a culture of customer engagement while managing various teams within the catering department. Competitive compensation offered.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of catering, retail, and hospitality services.
• Manage the catering department as a distinct business unit.
• Support kitchen staff directly when required.
• Compile performance reports for senior leadership.
• Maintain high standards in food production and presentation.
• Uphold food service standards through menu reviews.
• Champion healthy eating and customer engagement.
• Conduct audits and maintain quality assurance.

Job description

Overview

The Executive Chef Manager plays a critical, customer- and patient-facing leadership role, serving as the frontline manager for all Catering, Retail, and Central Estates & Facilities related operations within their designated area. This is a dynamic operational position that requires both strategic oversight and direct engagement with service delivery. Operating the catering department as a distinct business unit, the post holder is accountable for ensuring seamless performance across all teams involved in catering, retail, and hospitality services. This includes driving operational excellence, fostering team cohesion, and maintaining high standards of service. The role requires a proactive, hands-on approach, stepping into kitchen-based roles when needed to provide direct support and continuity of service.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of catering, retail, and hospitality services as the frontline manager for the designated area, driving operational excellence and high service standards.
• Operate the catering department as a distinct business unit and ensure seamless performance across all involved teams; supervise departmental teams and support supervisory staff; manage the Senior Chef through effective line management.
• Step into kitchen-based roles when required to provide direct support to staff and ensure continuity of service.
• Compile performance reports and statistical data for senior leadership; coordinate rotas to align skilled personnel with operational needs.
• Maintain high standards in food production, presentation, and waste management; meet departmental KPIs across finance, HR, procurement, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead initiatives to uphold food service standards, including annual menu reviews reflecting dietary and cultural requirements with input from dieticians and patient feedback.
• Champion healthy eating by offering informed choices; ensure professional communication through marketing materials and staff training.
• Manage retail offerings and conduct biannual satisfaction surveys to drive service improvements.
• Maintain quality assurance through internal and external audits, adherence to HACCP protocols, and compliance with food safety legislation.
• Foster a culture of excellence, sustainability, and customer engagement across all catering services.

Context and Organization

West London NHS Trust is a diverse healthcare provider delivering mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust operates Broadmoor Hospital and provides services across multiple London boroughs, employing over 5,000 staff with a turnover over £500m for 2024-25. The Trust is rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commission, with Forensic services rated as 'Outstanding'. It is a partner in the North West London Integrated Care System and leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.