Head Chef
| Posting date: | 16 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £32,061.00 to £33,699.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £32,061 to £33,699 per annum + benefits |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 05 January 2026 |
| Location: | Washington, Tyne & Wear |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | TYNEWEARFRS |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Head Chef
£32,061 to £33,699 per annum + benefits
About the role
We are seeking to fill an upcoming vacancy for the role of Head Chef.
Reporting directly to the Facilities Manager you will be responsible for all aspects of catering at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters based at Washington. This role involves working in a busy environment, demonstrating efficiencies and leading a team to provide a high quality, customer focused service to both staff and visitors. This is a fast-paced role, and the ideal candidate will need to be able to perform well under pressure. Excellent communication skills and proven knowledge in the catering industry is essential.
You should be adaptable in your approach to work and demonstrate the ability to lead and develop other team members.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a firm commitment to inclusivity, fairness, dignity and the highest standards of ethical behaviours and champion these in their day-to-day work in compliance with our ethical code of conduct.
We welcome applications from all sections of society with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in our workforce or society.
About Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are one of the UK’s leading Fire and Rescue Services for responding and innovation. We pride ourselves in striving to ‘Create the Safest Community’ and our dedicated, and diverse workforce are committed to delivering this.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters are located in purpose built premises based in Washington, within easy reach of the A1 and A19. On site facilities include a staff gym, ample free parking and canteen facilities.
As Head Chef you will be responsible for:
• General kitchen management & operations.
• Providing buffets and catering services for hospitality events.
• Ordering stock and using the organisation’s financial management system.
• Planning menus and setting prices.
• Administration, record keeping and monitoring budgets.
• Overseeing all aspects of Health, Safety and Hygiene within the catering function.
We are seeking a candidate who has demonstrable experience of:
• Working in a high-pressure catering environment.
• Managerial & office-based tasks, as well as hands on within the kitchen.
• Delivering exceptional customer focused service.
• Leading, motivating and developing a team.
The Selection Process
Set out below are the key dates relating to this selection process:
Stage Timeline*
Advert closes 5th January 2026 at 12 noon
Notification of shortlist W/C 12th January 2026
Interview W/C 19th January 2026
*Please note the dates and stages detailed may be subject to change
(Please be aware that there may be a practical skills test as part of the selection process for this role).
Interested in applying?
Further details can be found in the accompanying job description and person specification. You are required to submit a supporting statement of no more than 1000 words which should demonstrate how you meet the criteria stated on the person specification and job description.
Further information about our Service can be found by visiting www.twfire.gov.uk and our various social media channels.
For further information about the role, please contact Facilities Manager, Paul Clark via paul.clark@twfire.gov.uk
Reasonable Adjustments
We are a Disability Confident Employer, and this means we are committed to employing, supporting and promoting people with disabilities in the workplace.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment processes, please contact us by email and we will review your request. All requests must be sent to recruitment@twfire.gov.uk
Pre-employment checks
The successful applicant will be subject to our pre-employment screening process which includes a Standard DBS check relevant to the role, completion of an occupational health medical and a substance abuse test. We will also conduct right to work and reference checks.
Please submit your application form by no later than 12 noon on 5th January 2026