Head Chef

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Harlow; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Essex is looking for a dynamic New Head Chef to lead the catering team in providing high-quality meals for patients and staff. The role involves overseeing kitchen operations, managing dietary requirements, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. The ideal candidate should have a passion for food, be organized, and possess knowledge of the latest food trends. Join us to make a difference in the culinary experience at our hospital.

Benefits

Flexible working

Development opportunities

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Experience in kitchen operations and food service management.
• Ability to oversee dietary requirements and allergen compliance.
• Knowledge of NHS Trust guidelines and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team in preparing high-quality meals.
• Monitor food hygiene standards and portion control.
• Ensure compliance with food service processes and regulations.
• Manage stock levels and ensure cost efficiency.

Skills

Passion for food

Knowledge of latest food trends

Organized

Flexibility

Job description

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wavea national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined‑up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job Overview

The Catering team are looking for a dynamic New Head Chef to lead the team to excellence. We are expanding our team to meet the needs of our Patients, staff and Visitors in our on site fresh cook production kitchen.

We are looking for someone with a passion for food, knowledge of the latest trends in food and a drive to push the team forward as we look to deliver on the day ordering and cooking. The candidate will need to be organised, have flexibility due to operational issues and be prepared to excite and educate the team.

Main duties of the job

Kitchen Operations & Food Service 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.
• Supervise meal service in patient dining areas and staff restaurants, ensuring timely and professional delivery.
• Act as a point of escalation for operational issues within the catering team.

Stock Control & Resource Management

• Maintain accurate stock levels, ensuring FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principles are applied.
• Oversee ordering, receiving, and storing ingredients, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Manage budget control measures, minimizing food wastage and maintaining cost efficiency.
• Ensure all food items are stored at the correct temperatures, and labelling procedures are followed.
• Support the automation of catering processes, including software integration for improved efficiency.