Head Chef

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Haywards Heath is seeking a Head Chef to prepare high-quality meals that support patient wellbeing. You will manage kitchen operations, train staff, and ensure compliance with health regulations. Ideal candidates have experience in healthcare catering, excellent food presentation skills, and leadership abilities. Competitive pay and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Mental health and wellbeing resources

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts on high street brands

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role.
• Previous experience in healthcare catering.
• Computer literate.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality meals for patients.
• Ensure staff training is according to policy.
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards.

Skills

Excellent craft and food presentation skills

Good communication skills with a strong customer focus

Strong team leadership abilities

Good financial awareness

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent qualifications

Level 3 Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Description

Healthy outcomes start with positive patient experiences.

• 37.5 hours per week. 5 out of 7 days.
• £15-16 per hour + Sodexo benefits
• Holidays
• Location is Haywards Heath Nuffield, Burrell Road

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is: RH16 1UD

Please take the time to read the attached job description

Job Introduction

Bring your passion to the plate. Make a difference every day.

As a Head Chef at Sodexo in Haywards Heath Nuffield, Burrell Road, RH16 1UD, you’ll play a vital role in preparing high-quality meals that support patient wellbeing and enhance the overall dining experience.You’ll be responsible for managing your own section of the kitchen, ensuring every dish meets our high standards.If you’re passionate about food, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a purpose-driven team — this is the role for you. Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your way.

What you’ll do:

• Exceed company food cost and budget targets.

• Ensure all staff are trained and developed in line with company policy.

• Ensure dishes for patients and staff restaurant are prepared according to Recipe of the Day (ROL).

• Ensure all food for patients, visitors, and staff is prepared and served within the agreed timeline.

• Order, receive, and store supplies in accordance with company policy.

• Prepare food to correct service levels, minimizing wastage.

• Organize hospitality functions as required.

• Adhere to all legislation and client/company policy for patient, visitor, and staff meal services.

• Organize staff rota based on business demand.

• Maintain high hygiene and cleanliness standards in food preparation and service areas, following Health and Safety regulations.

• Ensure HACCP and food safety compliance with legal and company requirements.

• Conduct weekly stocktaking, stock rotation, and ensure store security during all working hours.

• Keep all working areas and surfaces clean, tidy, and sanitized at all times, especially at the end of each day/shift.

• Ensure correct storage and disposal of all food and non-food items.

• Ensure security of all provisions, equipment, and utensils within the establishment.

• Deputize in the absence of the Client Service Manager, handling weekly accounts, company/client administration, payroll, and Drive tasks.

• Recruit and train new kitchen staff per company and legal standards.

What you bring:

• Previous experience in a similar role.

• Previous experience in healthcare catering.

• Excellent craft and food presentation skills.

• Good communication skills with a strong customer focus.

• Strong team leadership abilities.

• Good financial awareness.

• City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent qualifications.

• Level 3 Hygiene Certificate.

• Computer literate.

What we offer:

Working at Sodexo isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to make a difference every day. You'll be part of a supportive team, act with purpose, and thrive in a role where your work matters. We also offer a range of benefits to support you and your loved ones:

• Mental health and wellbeing resources
• Employee Assistance Programme (including financial/legal advice & personal support)
• Free health & wellbeing app with 24/7 virtual GP access
• Discounts on high street brands for you and your family
• Salary finance tools and financial wellbeing resources
• Retirement savings plan and life insurance
• Full training and protective uniform provided.
• Opportunities to gain experience through learning and development.
• Cycle to Work scheme & volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible working and a dynamic team environment
• Competitive pay

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply now and bring your energy, purpose, and passion to Sodexo.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications — so don’t wait!

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all.As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed tobeingan inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer.We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities.We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer.We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.

Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.