Head Chef – Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; Washington; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in Washington is seeking a Head Chef to oversee all aspects of catering at its headquarters. This fast-paced role requires excellent communication skills and proven experience in the catering industry. Responsibilities include kitchen management, providing catering services, ordering stock, and maintaining health and safety standards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership abilities and a commitment to inclusivity and high ethical standards. Salary ranges from £32,061 to £33,699 per annum, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a high-pressure catering environment.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a kitchen team.
• Proficient in managing kitchen operations and finances.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen operations and catering services.
• Plan menus and oversee food safety compliance.
• Provide catering for hospitality events.

Skills

High-pressure catering experience

Exceptional customer service

Team leadership and development

Kitchen management

Job description

Head Chef – Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service

About the role

We are seeking to fill an upcoming vacancy for the role of Head Chef.

Reporting directly to the Facilities Manager you will be responsible for all aspects of catering at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters based at Washington. This role involves working in a busy environment, demonstrating efficiencies and leading a team to provide a high quality, customer focused service to both staff and visitors. This is a fast-paced role, and the ideal candidate will need to be able to perform well under pressure. Excellent communication skills and proven knowledge in the catering industry is essential.

You should be adaptable in your approach to work and demonstrate the ability to lead and develop other team members.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a firm commitment to inclusivity, fairness, dignity and the highest standards of ethical behaviours and champion these in their day-to-day work in compliance with our ethical code of conduct.

We welcome applications from all sections of society with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in our workforce or society.

As Head Chef you will be responsible for:

• General kitchen management & operations.
• Providing buffets and catering services for hospitality events.
• Ordering stock and using the organisation’s financial management system.
• Planning menus and setting prices.
• Administration, record keeping and monitoring budgets.
• Overseeing all aspects of Health, Safety and Hygiene within the catering function.

We are seeking a candidate who has demonstrable experience of:

• Working in a high‑pressure catering environment.
• Managerial & office‑based tasks, as well as hands on within the kitchen.
• Delivering exceptional customer focused service.
• Leading, motivating and developing a team.

The Selection Process

Set out below are the key dates relating to this selection process:

Stage Timeline*
Advert closes – 5th January 2026 at 12 noon
Notification of shortlist – W/C 12th January 2026
Interview – W/C 19th January 2026

*Please note the dates and stages detailed may be subject to change

(Please be aware that there may be a practical skills test as part of the selection process for this role).

Interested in applying?

Further details can be found in the accompanying job description and person specification. You are required to submit a supporting statement of no more than 1000 words which should demonstrate how you meet the criteria stated on the person specification and job description.

Further information about our Service can be found by visiting www.twfire.gov.uk and our various social media channels.

For further information about the role, please contact Facilities Manager, Paul Clark [e-mail]

Salary: £32,061 to £33,699 per annum + benefits