Assistant Chef/Cook

St Mary's Care Homes; North East; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Supportive leadership

Job summary

St Mary's Care Group is opening Bowburn Manor in Durham and seeks a Head Chef to lead a luxury kitchen. You will shape the dining culture, recruit and develop a team, and ensure exceptional meals using fresh seasonal ingredients.

You will oversee menus, dietary requirements, HACCP and safety standards while maintaining cost controls and high quality in a welcoming, resident‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef or Chef Manager experience in a luxury care home setting.
• Strong knowledge of nutrition, allergens and dietary requirements.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• NVQ Level 3 Catering or equivalent qualification.
• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene certification.
• Focussing on Nutrition course by Durham County Council.

Responsibilities

• Deliver nutritious, appetising and well presented meals daily.
• Shape the resident dining experience with personalised menus.
• Lead and develop a kitchen team to maintain excellence.
• Maintain high standards in food hygiene and safety (HACCP, COSHH).
• Manage ordering, stock levels and food budgets effectively.
• Foster a positive culture where colleagues feel valued.
• Help build Bowburn Manor's regional reputation.

Skills

Head Chef Leadership

Team Leadership

Nutrition Knowledge

Allergens & Diets

Organisation & Communication

Passion for Dining

Education

NVQ Level 3 Catering

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Nutrition Focus Course

Tools

HACCP

COSHH

Health & Safety

Job description

Head Chef

Build a Kitchen, Create a Culture, Leave a Legacy

Location: Bowburn Manor, Durham
Hours: Full Time, 40 Hours Per Week (with every other weekend off)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive

Every Great Home Has a Heart. Ours Starts in the Kitchen.

Bowburn Manor is preparing to open its doors as the newest luxury care home within the St Mary's Care Group, and we're looking for an exceptional Head Chef to help us create something truly special.

For many residents, mealtimes are the highlight of the day. They are opportunities to reminisce, celebrate, socialise and enjoy familiar comforts.

That's why we're seeking a Head Chef who sees food as far more than nutrition. Someone who understands that a favourite pudding can spark a cherished memory, a Sunday roast can bring families together, and a beautifully prepared meal can brighten someone's entire day.

From our very first resident, you'll have the opportunity to shape the dining culture, build your team, influence menus and establish standards that will define Bowburn Manor for years to come.

Your Role

As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for leading a high-quality catering service that reflects the warmth, hospitality and excellence of Bowburn Manor.

Working closely with residents and colleagues, you'll ensure every meal is prepared with care, creativity and attention to detail.

Using fresh seasonal products, you'll have the freedom to bring creativity, passion and innovation while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, hygiene and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Outstanding Food Every Day

Prepare nutritious, appetising and beautifully presented meals using fresh, quality ingredients.

Shape the Resident Dining Experience

Work closely with residents to understand personal tastes, dietary requirements and favourite meals.

Lead a Successful Kitchen Team

Recruit, develop and inspire a team committed to delivering excellence.

Maintain Exceptional Standards

Ensure full compliance with food hygiene regulations, safety standards and best practice guidance including HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety requirements.

Manage Resources Effectively

Control ordering, stock levels and food budgets while maintaining the quality expected of a luxury home.

Foster a Positive Culture

Create a supportive and professional environment where colleagues feel valued and motivated.

Help Build Bowburn Manor's Reputation

Play a key role in establishing Bowburn Manor as one of the region's leading care homes.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager in a Luxury Care home Setting

• Experience leading and developing catering teams.

• Strong knowledge of nutrition, allergens and dietary requirements including IDDSI and fortified diets.

• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.

• NVQ Level 3 in Catering & Cookery or equivalent.

• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification.

• Focussing on Nutrition course by Durham County Council

Above all, you'll be someone who cares about people and appreciates the difference great food can make.

Why Bowburn Manor?

• Join an exciting new luxury care home before opening.

• Shape the catering service from the very beginning.

• Competitive salary and benefits.

• Career development opportunities within St Mary's Care Group.

• Supportive leadership and investment in your success.

• The chance to build something you'll be proud of.

Join Our Opening Team

This is a rare opportunity to leave your mark on a brand-new home and create a dining experience that residents, families and colleagues will remember.