At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create nutritious meals for those in need.
- Company: Join Sue Ryder, a compassionate organisation dedicated to providing care and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in your workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by delivering high-quality meals in a caring setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing kitchens and catering for diverse dietary needs.
The predicted salary is between 29200 - 31680 € per year.
Location: Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, Grove Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AE
37.5 hours per week. Pay: £14.08 - 15.25 per hour, DOE (plus enhancements and competitive benefits). Current shift times are 08:00 - 18:30, working on a 2‑week rolling rota basis.
About the Role
The Head Chef is responsible for managing the kitchen and catering team, ensuring meals are prepared and served to a high standard in line with Sue Ryder expectations. The role includes line management of all catering staff and working closely with, and supporting, volunteers within the team.
- Previous experience of managing kitchens
- Experience of meeting nutritional needs and requirements on an individual basis
- Knowledge of regulations, e.g. COSHH, Health & Safety, HACCP
- Ability to work as part of a team
About you
Our ideal candidate will have relevant professional experience, ideally within a hospice or health and social care environment, alongside the ability to lead and manage a busy kitchen and catering team. This role includes managing the catering budget, ensuring costs are controlled within agreed limits, and leading Chefs and Catering Assistants under the guidance of the Head of Operations. Due to the nature of the role, experience in catering for individuals with specific dietary needs—such as fortified diets, food‑related contraindications, and swallowing difficulties—is highly desirable. You will be accountable for delivering services that meet Sue Ryder and regulatory standards, as well as representing the service at key meetings. Above all, you will bring a passion for delivering high‑quality, nutritious meals and a commitment to providing a personalised and compassionate service to people when they need it most.
Minimum Essential Criteria
- Experience leading a catering team in a regulated setting (e.g., health or care)
- Knowledge of dietary needs including cultural, medical, and accessible food provision
- Ability to make adjustments in meal prep and service to support diverse needs
- Strong leadership and inclusive team management skills
Benefits
- Enhanced pay for unsociable hours
- Company pension scheme
- 27 days holiday – rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Enhanced sick pay
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Healthcare Cash plan, to claim back costs of routine healthcare
- Death in Service benefit
- Staff discount of 10% on new goods online at shop.sueryder.org
- Structured induction programme and learning and development opportunities
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
At Sue Ryder, we recognise that a diverse workforce allows us to provide the best care and support. We are committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and those living with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we’re proud to support the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme. This means we will offer an interview to all disabled applicants who best meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We use inclusive recruitment practices including sharing interview themes or questions in advance, offering remote interviews where needed, and other accessibility support. If you require support to complete an application or participate fully in the interview process, please email recruitment@sueryder.org. Once in post you’ll have access to staff and volunteer networks for LGBTQ+ colleagues, ethnic diversity and equity, people with disabilities, and women and non-binary individuals, plus an Inclusion Passport to record and carry your workplace adjustments.
Head Chef in Sunderland employer: Sue Ryder
At Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values compassion and quality in every aspect of our work. As the Head Chef, you will lead a dedicated catering team in a supportive environment, with access to extensive benefits including enhanced pay for unsociable hours, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion ensures that all employees feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and healthcare sectors. We all know someone who knows someone, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions or insights into the Head Chef role at Sue Ryder.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of dietary needs and regulations. We want you to shine, so think about how your experience aligns with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team and catered to diverse dietary needs. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re committed to equity and inclusion, so you’ll be in good hands throughout the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and providing high-quality meals shine through. We want to see how much you care about delivering nutritious food and supporting those in need.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing kitchens, especially in health or care settings. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and cater to diverse dietary needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Head Chef role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sue Ryder
✨Know Your Kitchen Regulations
Familiarise yourself with key regulations like COSHH, Health & Safety, and HACCP. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the importance of maintaining a safe and compliant kitchen environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a catering team in the past. Highlight your ability to manage diverse dietary needs and how you’ve fostered an inclusive team atmosphere. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively at Sue Ryder.
✨Understand Nutritional Needs
Brush up on your knowledge of specific dietary requirements, especially for individuals with health conditions. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt meal prep to cater to these needs, showcasing your commitment to high-quality, personalised service.
✨Passion for Quality Meals
Express your passion for creating nutritious meals that cater to individual preferences. Share any relevant experiences where you went above and beyond to ensure meal satisfaction, as this aligns perfectly with Sue Ryder's mission.
