Head Chef

ISS Facilities Services; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facility management company in the UK is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen in a healthcare setting. The role involves managing food production for over 800 meals daily, overseeing quality and compliance, and motivating a team. Candidates should have proven experience in a similar environment and strong food hygiene knowledge. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in food service within the healthcare sector.

Qualifications

• Proven experience running a busy kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and food safety with relevant qualifications.
• Experience managing and motivating kitchen teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all company regulations on health & safety.
• Produce and serve food to the highest quality.
• Plan and coordinate food requirements while managing costs.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food hygiene knowledge

Team motivation

Job description

Overview

Head Chef – Contract: Healthcare – Location: Orpington, BR6 8ND – Hours of work: 37.5 – Contract Type: Permanent

We’re looking for a passionate and hands-on Head Chef to lead a busy fresh food operation within a healthcare setting. You’ll manage a team of three and deliver high-quality food for 300+ at breakfast and 500+ at lunch, with a retail offer that includes hot food, snacks, sides and a salad bar.

This role is perfect for a Head Chef who leads by example, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in elevating food standards. You’ll balance the demands of a busy kitchen with the admin side of the role, ensuring smooth and efficient service. Mostly Monday to Friday daytime, you’ll also oversee training and quality, with weekend service covered by the existing team. If you’re driven to create fresh, great-tasting food and inspire your team, this is an excellent opportunity to make your mark.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all company and statutory regulations on health & safety, hygiene, fire and food standards
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, personal appearance, and correct uniform at all times
• Produce and serve food to the highest quality, using current cooking techniques and following standard recipes
• Plan, coordinate, and order all food requirements while managing costs within budget and using nominated suppliers
• Build and maintain positive client relationships, promoting new initiatives and aligning with high street trends
• Ensure timely delivery of meals and services to agreed standards and client satisfaction
• Complete all required company bookwork, returns, and budget preparation accurately and on time

Qualifications

• Proven experience running a busy kitchen
• Background in contract catering preferred
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and food safety with relevant qualifications
• High standards in food quality and presentation
• Experience managing and motivating kitchen teams

The Company

ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. Working with customers day by day, side by side, we understand every aspect of the user experience.

Through a unique combination of intelligent solutions, high standards and people who care, ISS helps customers achieve their purpose, whether it’s hospitals healing patients, businesses producing the next great innovation, or airports bringing passengers home to their families. ISS is committed to doing business the right way, taking its corporate responsibility very seriously. Our passion is people.

We offer you a challenging and exciting career in an organisation with people at its heart. In ISS, everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow and make a difference. #ISSGreatPeople #ISSTalent #PeopleMakePlace

ISS is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background. We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government’s Disability Confident scheme. Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.

If you have any further queries regarding this role, please contact the Resourcing Team by emailing [e-mail]