Job Description

Working Full time - 37.5 hours per week
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to join the Catering Services Team for the role of Head Chef. You will support the Head of Catering Services and manage the catering team within the department, producing the finest quality food for our patients and staff as well as delivering excellent customer service.
We are looking for an individual who has achieved a good grounding within the catering business, but would like to further develop and become proficient in all aspects of managing a busy Catering Service within an NHS Hospital.
Previous applicants need not apply.
Main duties of the job
The Catering Department is a busy and multi-functional area of the Hospital, providing meals for patients and staff and meeting the Hospitality Services/Catering requirements for the wider Trust customers.
The successful candidate will have achieved good grounding within the Catering Industry, preferably educated to advanced certificate or diploma level minimum NVQ Qualification (Level 3) have relevant equivalent experience. You should have strong time-management and leadership skills and be able to prioritise and delegate well. The role requires a good working knowledge of computer software including Word, Excel and strong, demonstrable skills in all aspects of administration.
The role extends to the catering provision of our Ellesmere Port Hospital and its patients and will require regular visits to the hospital to ensure catering standards are being delivered and consistently met. A full driving license will be required in order to facilitate the management of this particular objective and this aspect of the role.
About us
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides services to West Cheshire and to Welsh patients covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. Its services are provided from three locations:

• The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 438 general and acute beds
• Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 56 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility
• Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population.

The Trust employs over 5916 staff (headcount) which includes temporary bank staff and provides acute emergency and elective services, primary care direct access services and obstetric services to a population of approximately 411,000. This includes 361,000 residents in Chester and West Cheshire which includes Ellesmere Port and Neston as well as the Deeside area of Flintshire which has a population of approximately 50,000.
Details
Date posted
05 August 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
31,049 to 37,796 a year pa
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
210-2025-583
Job locations
Countess of Chester Hospital
Liverpool Road
Chester
CH2 1UL
Job description
Job responsibilities
See for further details.
Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs will be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of 16per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application. Job description
Job responsibilities
See for further details.
Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs will be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of 16per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Level 4 (Advanced) Food Hygiene Certificate
• Level 3 Food Safety or HACCP
• NVQ Level 3 In Professional Cookery

Desirable

• Certificate in ILM First Line Management

Knowledge
Essential

• Experience of large scale food production/kitchen management

Desirable

• Budget planning experience

Experience
Essential

• Knowledge of food safety and Health & Safety law, including HACCP and COSHH
• Allergen aware

Desirable

• Experience of NHS systems including ESR/E-procurement

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Level 4 (Advanced) Food Hygiene Certificate
• Level 3 Food Safety or HACCP
• NVQ Level 3 In Professional Cookery

Desirable

• Certificate in ILM First Line Management

Knowledge
Essential

• Experience of large scale food production/kitchen management

Desirable

• Budget planning experience

Experience
Essential

• Knowledge of food safety and Health & Safety law, including HACCP and COSHH
• Allergen aware

Desirable

• Experience of NHS systems including ESR/E-procurement