Head of Dietetics Location: Chertsey Salary: Competitive Overall Purpose of the Role This role will lead the dietetics team across the healthcare sector at compass. They will manage a team of foodservice Dietitians representing across Medirest, Medirest Signature and White Oaks. This position will create and lead the strategy for dietetics across all sub-sectors and be the figure head for the Dietetic function. Leading a team of 4 direct reports, and responsible for dietetic strategy for a sector worth over £350M. The post holder will be responsible for managing dietetic, nutrition and health & wellbeing commitments in healthcare. They will work closely with and lead the Dietitians to deliver new menus within current business, setting the standard and processes to effectively communicate to and train our operational teams responsible for delivering patient dining. They will mobilise and support new business and agree B2B story for our dietetic strategy to the market. They will support sales on patient menu models and ensure that our bids are accurate in supporting the patient’s needs. They will support the food offer development team with knowledge of nutrition and appropriate regulations e.g., FIR, calorie labelling, GBS. Some national travel may be required to support the needs of the business and represent their function. Qualifications: Degree in Dietetics 5 years’ experience - most of which is in a food service role HCPC Registered Dietitian Member of the British Dietetic Association Experience: Experience as a dietitian in a healthcare environment (although not essential) Experience in a foodservice/catering environment Excellent communication skills both oral and written Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team Line management experience or ability to influence and lead with confidence Menu planning and menu analysis Teaching and presentation skills Project management Computer generated nutritional analysis Conversant with Excel, Word and Outlook. Key Accountabilities Menu and Recipe Development Participate in menu and recipe review/development with the operational leads and relevant individuals within allocated budgetary constraints as required, ensuring suitability for all client groups Oversee dietetic team to develop and master recipes using recipe database software and propose recipe changes required to meet nutritional requirements, and run nutritional data reports where required Participate in new product evaluations where required and make recommendations regarding nutritional qualities. Work closely with operational and business development lead to design and create menus with collateral for tenders and retention. Delivering Nutritional Standards and Guidance Monitoring, interpreting and implementing review(s) of relevant nutritional, government and food standards legislation to ensure compliance e.g., CQUIN, GBS, allergen legislation, calorie labelling Provide nutritional analysis and coding of menus and recipes and other nutritional information as required such as allergen and dietary suitability Management/Operational Support Lead dietitian managing team of 4 Food Service Dietitians Provide ongoing technical dietetic/nutrition support to catering, and operational teams and clients Visit sites to meet with the relevant operational teams, client teams and client dietitians where appropriate Support new contract start-ups and mobilisation. Training Agree and roll out nutrition/dietetic training and produce appropriate training materials for colleagues in relevant food service roles Undertake site visits to review food services, and support sites to make changes where these are identified. Protocol Development Produce special dietary operational policies and develop special diet menus and protocols where required Assist in the development and implementation of mealtime initiatives such as Protected Mealtimes. We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to: Contributory pension scheme Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families About Us Part of Compass Group UK&I, Medirest is the specialist healthcare operating company of Compass Group UK & Ireland, providing a full range of hotel services, including staff, patient and visitor catering, domestics, portering, security and reception, at over 130 NHS Trusts and private hospitals. Job Reference: com/1803/128700/52725337/STC Medirest Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength