At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create exceptional, nutritious meals for patients and staff.
- Company: Renowned private hospital known for outstanding patient care and a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, 27 days leave, discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking organisation with excellent career progression and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient wellbeing while leading a passionate culinary team.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Catering, HACCP Level 2, and experience managing a professional kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is one of the UK’s leading private hospitals, renowned for exceptional patient care and a warm, welcoming environment. Our Catering Department plays a vital role in supporting patient wellbeing, delivering outstanding food that meets clinical, nutritional, and hospitality standards. We are now seeking an experienced and inspiring Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations and elevate our culinary offering across the hospital.
The Head Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, nutritious meals for patients, staff, and visitors. You will lead a dedicated kitchen team, manage budgets, maintain compliance with food safety and healthcare regulations, and drive continuous improvement across all catering services.
Located in leafy St John’s Wood on the Jubilee line, minutes from Central London, our independent private Hospital has just been rated the number one in the country for care in the latest Bupa survey. Uniquely, all profits fund our onsite Hospice, St John’s.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Culinary leadership — Maintain exceptional standards in food preparation, presentation, and service.
- Menu development — Create menus aligned with nutritional guidelines, patient needs, allergens, and cultural requirements.
- Patient dining excellence — Work with dietitians and clinical teams to support patient recovery and wellbeing.
- Team leadership — Lead, train, and develop the kitchen brigade, ensuring a positive and high‑performing culture.
- Food cost control — Manage stock, ordering, suppliers, and budgets to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.
- Safety & compliance — Ensure full compliance with HACCP, infection control, allergen management, and all regulatory standards.
- Continuous improvement — Innovate menus, enhance service quality, and support audits and inspections.
What We’re Looking For
- Level 3 NVQ Catering or formal chef qualification
- HACCP Level 2
- Knowledge of COSHH, Health & Safety, food safety and hygiene regulations
- Experience managing a professional kitchen
- Experience working in a healthcare setting
- Minimum 3 years as a Chef, including 2 years managing staff
- Ability to cater for large groups and varied dietary needs
- IT literacy (Microsoft Office, kitchen management systems)
- Strong leadership and team‑management capability
Why apply for this role?
At our organisation we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our employees a wide range of benefits; When you become part of the HJE Family, these are some of the benefits you will receive:
- Private healthcare scheme worth up to £20,000 per year
- 27 days annual leave
- Blue Light Card discounts
- Interest‑free season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free eye check‑up vouchers with contribution towards lenses
- Free newspaper and media subscriptions
- Local Business discounts
- Discount in our Hospice Charity shop
- Refer a Friend scheme
- Free Cinema Society Membership offering discounted tickets
- Personal development and training courses
- Annual events and recognition awards
- Career progression and increments
If you are ready for a new challenge and relish the chance to become part of a successful, forward thinking organisation then we would love to hear from you.
Head Chef employer: HJE
The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and engaging work environment for its employees. Located in the picturesque St John’s Wood, just minutes from Central London, the hospital not only provides competitive benefits such as private healthcare and generous annual leave but also fosters continuous professional development and career progression. Joining our team means being part of a dedicated family that prioritises patient care while ensuring a positive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like HJE. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to HJE
Don't be shy about reaching out to HJE directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about HJE and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at HJE
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
