Head Chef

Ramsay Health Care; Colchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent healthcare provider in England is seeking a skilled Head Chef for Oaks Hospital in Colchester. This pivotal role involves delivering high-quality catering services, leading a team, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The successful candidate will have a strong culinary background, leadership skills, and a desire to innovate. This position offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for professional development within a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 Days Leave + Bank Holidays

Private Medical Cover with option to add partner & dependants

Enhanced Competitive Parental Leave Policies

Free Training and Development via the Ramsay Academy

Qualifications

• Outstanding knowledge of food and culinary skills.
• Effective communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

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 skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

Job description

time left to apply End Date: August 5, 2025 (11 days left to apply)

job requisition id JR14256

Job Description

Head Chef

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Full-time

Salary: Depending on experience + Benefits

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, patients who are self-funding treatment orNHS 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 Orthopaedic (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.

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

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

Flexibility and adaptability

Knowledge of special dietary requirements

Food Safety Agency Allergen Awareness Training

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

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.

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 Us:

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 Care’s 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’.

It’s more than what we do, it’s who we are. Everything we do is about striving to deliver the best care. And it's 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 UK’s Armed Forces and Reservists and have already achieved the Silver Award as part of the MOD’s 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.