Head Chef

NHS; Andover; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A health services provider in Andover is seeking an experienced Head Chef. This key role involves leading a kitchen team to ensure the delivery of high-quality meals while maintaining strict compliance with food safety regulations. Responsibilities include menu planning, staff training, and managing kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have strong culinary skills, relevant qualifications, and experience in dietary-specific menus. This position offers a competitive salary between £31,049 and £37,796 per annum.

Benefits

Potential accommodation options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years in kitchen management or similar roles.
• Experience with multiple kitchen environments (restaurants, hotels).
• Ability to develop nutritional menus accommodating dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen staff to prepare high-quality meals.
• Oversee food hygiene standards and allergen compliance.
• Manage food procurement and budgeting for operational efficiency.

Skills

Strong organisational and time-management skills

Excellent knowledge of food hygiene

Ability to manage kitchen operations under pressure

Strong culinary skills

Education

Food Safety Level 3

Professional cookery qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3)

Allergen awareness and HACCP knowledge

Job description

Head Chef

The closing date is 16 February 2026

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join us at Hampshire Hospitals.

The Head Chef is a key leadership role responsible for the operational management of the kitchen and restaurant, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality catering service in line with national standards, legislation, and Trust policies. The post holder will lead and develop the catering team to provide nutritious, well‑presented meals for patients, staff, and visitors, maintaining strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health regulations. This role includes oversight of menu planning, staff supervision, and daily operational efficiency, while fostering a hands‑on, flexible approach to support team performance. The Head Chef will work across early and late shifts as required to meet service needs.

Main duties of the job

Management

• Lead the kitchen team in preparing and cooking high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Oversee special dietary requirements, ensuring allergen compliance and minimal risk of cross‑contamination.
• Monitor food hygiene standards, portion control, and presentation, ensuring consistency in quality.
• Ensure all food service processes adhere to NHS Trust guidelines, HACCP protocols, and legal food safety regulations.
• Develop menus that meet patient dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional standards.
• Liaise with dietitians and clinical teams to accommodate special diets.
• Incorporate seasonal and sustainable ingredients into menu planning.
• Supervise, train, and motivate catering staff; manage rotas and performance.
• Support recruitment and mentor staff to build a skilled, motivated team.
• Promote a positive and safe working environment.

Compliance & Safety

• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments; ensure adherence to Trust policies.
• Manage allergen data and labelling in accordance with current legislation.
• Respond to complaints and incidents according to Trust policy.

Budget & Stock Control

• Manage food procurement, stock levels, and waste reduction to maintain cost efficiency.
• Monitor budgets and plan efficient staff rotas.

About us

Our vision is to provide outstanding care for every patient. Patient care is at the heart of what we do at our three sites: Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Andover War Memorial Hospital. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides medical and surgical services to a population of approximately 600,000 people across Hampshire and parts of West Berkshire.

Our cultural ambition is to have a culture that places people at the heart of all we do, where we all belong, and where learning, improvement and excellence thrive.

We provide specialist services to people across the UK and internationally. We are one of only two centres in the UK treating pseudomyxoma peritonei (a rare form of abdominal cancer) and we are leaders in the field of tertiary liver cancer and colorectal cancer.

The trust employs more than 9,000 staff and has a turnover of over £500 million a year. As a Foundation Trust, we are directly accountable to our members through the governors. The Council of Governors represent the interests of their constituencies and influence the future plans of the Foundation Trust.

We understand relocating can be a big step. Hampshire Hospitals may be able to provide accommodation options for successful candidates, depending on availability. If this something you would like to explore please contact Southern Housing on 02080 360017

Person Specification

Training and Qualifications

• Food Safety Level 3 (or willingness to obtain)
• Allergen awareness and HACCP knowledge
• Professional cookery qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3, or equivalent)
• Advanced culinary qualifications or specialist trainingExperience in multiple kitchen environments (e.g. restaurants, hotels, etc)

Experience

• Strong organisational and time‑management skills
• Ability to manage kitchen operations during service under pressure
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen regulations
• Strong all‑round culinary skills with consistent food quality standards
• Experience with menu development and menu planning
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a kitchen and staff

Team Work

• Experience with dietary‑specific menus (vegan, gluten‑free, allergen‑focused)
• Experience working with inspections and audits
• Mentoring or coaching experience

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.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£31,049 to £37,796 a yearper annum pro rata