Head Chef - Patient Dining Leader (Healthcare)

Sodexo Ltd; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On site Parking

Free meals when working more than 6 h

Mental health and wellbeing resources

Employee Assistance Programme

Free health & wellbeing app with 24/7/

Discounts on high street brands

Retirement savings plan and life insur

Full training and protective uniform

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working

Competitive pay

Job summary

Sodexo Ltd. is recruiting a Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a busy Nuffield Health hospital in Haywards Heath. You will manage a team of about 12, ensure top-quality meals, food safety, and patient-focused service.

The role requires healthcare catering experience, strong leadership, and excellent budgeting skills. Join a supportive team with benefits and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Head Chef or in a similar senior culinary role
• Healthcare catering experience
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent culinary and food presentation skills
• Good financial and commercial awareness
• Customer-focused approach
• City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or equivalent qualification
• Good IT and administrative skills
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification
• Diet Cookery Certificate
• Experience managing audits and regulatory inspections

Responsibilities

• Leading, motivating, and developing the kitchen team
• Managing the daily operation of the kitchen and associated areas
• Preparing and delivering high-quality meals for patients, staff, visitors, and hospitality functions
• Managing food costs, stock levels, and kitchen budgets
• Ensuring all food is prepared in accordance with recipes, specifications, and dietary requirements
• Organising staff rotas to meet operational needs
• Driving exceptional patient and customer satisfaction levels
• Maintaining HACCP, food safety, and hygiene compliance at all times
• Managing stock ordering, receiving, storage, stock rotation, and stocktaking
• Recruiting, training, and developing team members
• Supporting audits and ensuring compliance with company, client, and legislative requirements
• Deputising for the Client Services Manager when required

Skills

Leadership

Healthcare catering

HACCP

Food safety

Budget management

Stock control

Menu planning

Patient dining

Customer service

Team development

Education

City & Guilds 706/1

City & Guilds 706/2

IOSH Managing Safely

Diet Cookery Certificate

Job description

Sodexo Ltd. is recruiting a Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a busy Nuffield Health hospital in Haywards Heath. You will manage a team of about 12, ensure top-quality meals, food safety, and patient-focused service.

The role requires healthcare catering experience, strong leadership, and excellent budgeting skills. Join a supportive team with benefits and opportunities for development.