Head Chef

NHS; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The NHS is looking for a Head Chef to join the team at Pinehill Hospital, Hitchin. You will oversee all catering services, managing the kitchen operations, supervising staff, and ensuring high standards of food safety. This permanent, full-time role offers competitive benefits and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

25 Days Leave + Bank Holidays

Private Pension matched up to 5%

Flexible shift patterns available

Private Medical Cover

Life Assurance (Death in Service) x3 base salary

Free Training and Development via Ramsay Academy

Free Parking on site

Subsidised staff restaurant

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle2Work scheme available

The Blue Light Card Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and management skills from relevant industry experience.
• Outstanding knowledge of food and culinary skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise food preparation and delivery for the hospital.
• Assist in training the kitchen team.
• Monitor and control food cost within budget guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Effective communication

Planning and organisational skills

Education

Catering and Hospitality qualification at HNC/SCQF Level 7

Current level 4 food hygiene certificate

Tools

MS Office package

Job description

Job summary

The role:

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

Main duties of the job

• 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

About us

Pinehill Hospital is one of Hertfordshires leading private hospitals with an excellent reputation for delivering high quality private hospital treatment. Situated in tranquil, wooded surroundings, Pinehill provides a peaceful environment to aid a speedy recovery.

The hospital's range of treatments and services include cosmetic surgery, hip replacements, knee replacement, varicose vein treatment, hernia surgery, physiotherapy, cataract surgery, gynaecology services, snoring treatment, and ear, nose and throat treatments.

Details Date posted

03 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

E0365-25-0392JR13592

Job locations

Pinehill Hospital

Benslow Lane

Hitchin

Hertfordshire

SG4 9QZ

Job description Job responsibilities

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

Job description Job responsibilities

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

Person Specification Experience Essential

• 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
• 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

Desirable

• 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

Qualifications Essential

• Catering and Hospitality qualification at HNC/SCQF Level 7 or industry equivalent
• Current level 4 food hygiene certificate

Person Specification Experience Essential

• 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
• 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

Desirable

• 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

Qualifications Essential

• Catering and Hospitality qualification at HNC/SCQF Level 7 or industry equivalent
• Current level 4 food hygiene certificate

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details Employer name

Ramsay Health Care UK Operations Limited

Address

Pinehill Hospital

Benslow Lane

Hitchin

Hertfordshire

SG4 9QZ

Employer's website

https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Ramsay Health Care UK Operations Limited

Address

Pinehill Hospital

Benslow Lane

Hitchin

Hertfordshire

SG4 9QZ

Employer's website

https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)