Head Chef

Ramsay Health; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Colchester is seeking a Head Chef to oversee all catering services at Oaks Hospital. The successful candidate will lead the kitchen team, ensure food safety compliance, and innovate menu offerings. This role requires substantial culinary experience, a catering qualification, and excellent management skills. With competitive benefits including a private pension match and flexible shift patterns, this position offers a dynamic work environment focused on high-quality patient care.

Benefits

25 Days Leave Bank Holidays

Private Medical Cover

Free Training and Development

Life Assurance

Flexible shift patterns available

Subsidised staff restaurant

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management skills in the catering industry.
• Outstanding knowledge of food culinary skills and expertise.
• Effective communication skills to work in team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise food preparation and delivery for the Hospital.
• Assist with training the kitchen team.
• Monitor and control food cost within budgeted guidelines.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Food Handling

Restaurant Experience

Kitchen Management Experience

Food Preparation Experience

Leadership Experience

Education

Catering and Hospitality qualification at HNC/SCQF Level 7 or industry equivalent

Current level 4 food hygiene certificate

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Head Chef

Location: Oaks Hospital Colchester

Hours: 37.5 hours per week Full-time

Salary: Depending on experience

About Us

Oaks Hospital is part of Ramsay Health Care UK, one of the leading independent healthcare providers in England. The hospital has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality healthcare for patients with health insurance, self-funding treatment or NHS patients exercising choice through the e-referral system. By investing in the latest advanced medical technology we offer a wide range of treatments and services. We care for patients from initial outpatient consultation and diagnostic scanning through to surgical treatment and recovery. The hospital offers a range of services including Orthopaedics (upper limb, lower limb and spinal), General surgery, Gynaecology, Physiotherapy, ophthalmology, Diagnostic Imaging, Urology, etc.

The role

We currently have a great new opportunity for a Head Chef to join our team at Oaks Hospital based in Colchester. You will be reporting into the Head of Operations. You will be responsible for leading the delivery of catering services for the Hospital.

Essential

• Catering and Hospitality qualification at HNC/SCQF Level 7 or industry equivalent
• Current level 4 food hygiene certificate
• Relevant experience from industry with leadership and management skills
• Outstanding knowledge of food culinary skills and expertise
• Have an approachable positive and proactive manner with a growth mindset
• Have a desire to innovate and elevate the offerings and service of this department
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team
• Effective communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently as required
• Sound written and verbal communication skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Good computer skills (MS Office package)
• Flexibility and adaptability

Desirables

• Kitchen management experience
• Knowledge of special dietary requirements
• Food Safety Agency Allergen Awareness Training
• Management experience
• Demonstrate commercial and financial awareness
• Previous health sector experience

Operational Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise food preparation and delivery for the Hospital
• Timely production of the kitchen rota
• Assist with training the kitchen team
• Development of daily specials
• Placing orders
• Monthly stock take
• Monitor and control food cost within budgeted guidelines
• Oversee the food safety management system in line with all Ramsay catering policies

Measurable Outcomes

• Follow Company guidelines on purchasing from nominated suppliers
• Adherence to Ramsay food hygiene policy, COSHH policy and HACCP policy

Benefits

• 25 Days Leave Bank Holidays
• Private Pension where Ramsay will match up to 5% after a qualifying period
• Flexible shift patterns available where possible
• Enhanced Competitive Parental Leave Policies
• Private Medical Cover with option to add partner & dependants
• Life Assurance (Death in Service) x3 base salary
• Free Training and Development via the Ramsay Academy
• Free Parking on site (where possible)
• Subsidised staff restaurant (where possible)
• Concerts for Carers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle2Work scheme available in partnership with Halfords
• The Blue Light Card Scheme

About Ramsay Health Care UK

Ramsay Health Care UK is a well-established global hospital group with over 60 years experience. We are a global provider operating in 11 countries with 88,000 staff who treat 8 million patients each year. It is well respected within the healthcare industry and is one of the leading providers of independent hospital services in England. We are well known for our strong long-standing relationship with the NHS.

We love people with a positive can do attitude who want to make a difference in their work. Our employees are Ramsay. The skills and commitment of our employees forms the basis for our success. We know our people are our greatest asset; our business is growing and we would like you to join us. The Ramsay Way culture recognises that people, staff and doctors are Ramsay Health Cares most important asset and this has been key to our ongoing success.

We are proud of our Speak Up for Safety programme and ensure that the patient is at the heart of everything we do. Join us and have more Time to Care.

We care.

Its more than what we do its who we are. Everything we do is about striving to deliver the best care. And its a belief that's as true today as it was when we welcomed our first patients in 1964.

The Ramsay Way culture recognises that our people are our most important asset and this has been key to our ongoing success.

We are proud to support the UKs Armed Forces and Reservists and have already achieved the Silver Award as part of the MODs Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme recognises employers who actively support Defence while encouraging other organisations to adopt the same behaviours in their workplace. As a company we are committed to supporting the wider Armed Forces community and this includes our staff as well as our patients.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. This position is subject to background and DBS checks.

Required Experience: IC

Key Skills: Culinary Experience, Food Handling, Restaurant Experience, Kitchen Management Experience, Food Preparation Experience, Kitchen Experience, Food Industry, Cooking, Cost Control, Baking, Sanitation, Leadership Experience

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1