Executive Chef | West London NHS Trust

West London Mental Health Trust; Buckler's Park; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking an Executive Chef Manager to lead the catering department. This role involves oversight of food service operations, ensuring high standards of patient and staff meal services, and fostering excellence in customer engagement. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience and the ability to manage diverse catering operations effectively.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior catering or food service role.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Hands-on experience in a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering operations as a distinct business unit.
• Provide line management to supervisory staff.
• Lead initiatives to uphold food service standards.
• Manage retail offerings and conduct satisfaction surveys.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Customer engagement

Knowledge of food safety regulations

Communication skills

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. The role demands a proactive, hands-on approach, including stepping into kitchen-based roles when needed to support staff and ensure continuity of service.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in delivering exceptional patient and customer satisfaction across the following key service areas:

• Patient meal services
• Staff restaurant and retail offerings
• Hospitality and event catering
• Retail vending operations

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering operations as a distinct business unit, ensuring strategic planning, delegation, and execution of service activities across departmental teams.
• Provide line management to supervisory staff, manage the Senior Chef, and compile performance reports and statistical data for senior leadership.
• Coordinate rotas to align skilled personnel with operational needs and maintain high standards in food production, presentation, and waste management while meeting 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 and 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 Organisational Information

West London NHS Trust is a diverse healthcare provider delivering mental and physical health care and community services. The Trust operates Broadmoor Hospital and serves patients across multiple London boroughs, employing over 5,000 staff. The Trust is rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission, with Forensic services rated Outstanding, and participates in the North West London Integrated Care System and related partnerships.

Qualifications and Selection

The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached. The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.

Additional Information

This advert closes on Monday 13 Oct 2025