Head Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1373940/154712
- Location: Haywards Heath
- Job type: Full Time - 37.5 hours per week
- Salary: £16.40 per hour plus Sodexo Benefits
- Closing date: 17 March 2026
About the role
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 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 and 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.
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KEY BENEFITS
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Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Haywards Heath, United Kingdom, RH16 1UD
Register your interest
Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.