Head Chef

Healthy outcomes start with positive patient experiences.

• Head Chef
• 37.5 Hours per week
• £16.40 per hour
• 5 Days over 7 with Various shifts
• Location is Haywards Heath Nuffield, Burrell Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1UD

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 Join our dedicated team at Haywards Heath Nuffield Hospital as a Head Chef and lead our culinary excellence!In this pivotal role, you’ll take full responsibility for running the hospital kitchen and associated areas, ensuring all food is prepared to the highest standards in line with Sodexo and Nuffield policies.You’ll play a key part in maintaining smooth operations, complete all necessary legal, company, and client administrative tasks, and confidently deputise for the Client Services Manager.If you’re passionate about delivering top quality food and leading a dynamic catering team, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

What you’ll do:

• Ensure all food costs and budgets are exceeded and managed effectively
• Lead and develop kitchen staff through training and performance reviews
• Prepare and serve food for patients, visitors, and staff within agreed timelines
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and food safety in compliance with HACCP and legislation
• Organise and oversee stock management, including ordering, storage, and rotation of supplies
• Organise and coordinate hospitality functions as required
• Deputise for the Client Service Manager and assist with administrative duties
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and company policies in food preparation and service

What you bring:

• Previous experience in similar role, healthcare catering experience desirable
• Excellent craft and presentation skills
• Good communication skills and customer focus
• Strong team leader
• Good financial awareness
• City and Guilds 706/ 1 and 2 or equivalent
• Level 3 Hygiene Certificate
• IOSH managing safely
• Diet cook’s certificate

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 and personal support)
• Free health and 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 and 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 Onsite Food and FM Services, Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a .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 such as Pride, Sodexo Parents and Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We’re a 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 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.