Head Chef

Head Chef

Healthy outcomes start with positive patient experiences.

• £14.50 per hour + Sodexo Benefits
• 37.5 hours per week
• Shift Pattern: 5 days out of 7 | 1 working weekend every 3 weeks
• Shift times: 7.5 h shifts within hours of 7 am - 7 pm / Sunday 7 am - 1 pm
• Free parking on site/ meal on shift / Uniform provided
• Permanent contract

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is: LE5 1HY

Please take the time to read the attached job description

Job Introduction

Bring your passion to the plate. Make a difference every day.

As a Head Chef at Sodexo Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital site, you’ll play a vital role in preparing high-quality meals that support patient wellbeing and enhance the overall dining experience. You’ll be responsible for managing your own section of the kitchen, ensuring every dish meets our high standards. If you’re passionate about food, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a purpose-driven team — this is the role for you. Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your way.

What you’ll do

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious and safe food for patients, staff and visitors.
• Manage and follow menus, recipes and food production, ensuring all dishes meet agreed specifications, dietary and allergy requirements.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance, including HACCP, PPDS, temperature checks, cleaning schedules and audit requirements.
• Monitor food ordering, stock, waste and costs, using systems such as Leanpath, while supporting a positive P&L.
• Complete and maintain all required Sodexo and client documentation, including allergy reports, daily checks, billing and cashing-up procedures.
• Coach, train and develop the kitchen team through regular huddles, training and competency checks, creating a positive and inclusive working environment.
• Work closely with the hospital and Sodexo teams to respond to feedback, resolve issues and continually improve the patient and staff dining experience.

What you bring

• A Food Safety Level 3 / NVQ Level 3 qualification, or equivalent experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience of HACCP, food safety, allergen management and PPDS regulations.
• Proven experience of leading and developing a kitchen team, with the ability to motivate people and set clear standards.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively with clinical, client and operational teams.
• A genuine passion for great food, patient care and service excellence, with a focus on delivering consistently high standards.
• Good commercial awareness, including experience of food ordering, stock control, waste reduction and cost management.
• A proactive, hands-on approach, with good IT skills and the ability to work flexibly across morning, evening and weekend shifts in a 7-day operation.

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 & personal support)
• Free health & 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 & 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 On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & 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 & 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.