Care Home Chef

Allegra Care; Fordingbridge; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay (£17.90/hr)

Annual salary ~£37,000

Full-time 40-hour week

Supportive working environment

Training and development opportunities

Make a difference to residents' lives

Job summary

Allegra Care, Fordingbridge Care Home in Hampshire, is seeking an experienced Chef to lead the kitchen team and provide nutritious, home-cooked meals for residents. The role focuses on high standards of food quality, hygiene and menu planning to suit dietary needs.

You will manage ordering, stock and budgets, while ensuring HACCP compliance and coordination with the care team. A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and flexibility, including alternate weekends, are required.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chef in a care home kitchen.
• Knowledge of specialist diets, nutrition and allergens.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent).
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Genuine passion for cooking for older people.
• Ability to work flexibly, including alternate weekends.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, well-balanced menus for residents.
• Lead kitchen team and maintain high standards of quality and organisation.
• Manage food ordering, stock control and kitchen budgets.
• Ensure food safety, HACCP and health & safety compliance.
• Maintain kitchen hygiene and cleanliness.
• Collaborate with care team to meet residents' preferences.

Skills

Chef experience in care home

Dietary and nutrition knowledge

Food hygiene knowledge

Time management

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Fordingbridge Care Home, Hampshire Part of the Allegra Care Group

Salary: £17.90 per hour (equivalent to approximately £37,000 per annum)

Hours: 40 hours per week, including alternate weekends

Location: Fordingbridge, Hampshire

Join Our Team

Fordingbridge Care Home, part of the highly regarded Allegra Care Group, is seeking an experienced and passionate Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver exceptional dining experiences for our residents.

Food plays a vital role in the wellbeing, comfort and happiness of those living in our home. We are looking for a talented chef who understands the importance of nutritious, home-cooked meals and takes pride in providing a high-quality service every day.

About The Role

As a Chef, you will be responsible for planning and preparing delicious, well-balanced menus that cater to the dietary, nutritional and cultural needs of our residents. You will lead by example in maintaining the highest standards of food quality, hygiene and kitchen organisation.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious meals for residents and visitors.
• Creating varied menus that meet dietary, allergy and texture-modified requirements.
• Managing food ordering, stock control and kitchen budgets.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, HACCP and health & safety regulations.
• Maintaining excellent kitchen hygiene and cleanliness standards.
• Supporting kitchen assistants and other catering staff.
• Working closely with the care team to ensure residents' individual needs and preferences are met.

About You

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• Previous experience working as a Chef in a care home kitchen.
• A strong understanding of specialist diets, nutrition and allergens.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent).
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• A genuine passion for cooking and enhancing the lives of older people through great food.
• The ability to work flexibly, including alternate weekends.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay of £17.90 per hour.
• Annual salary equivalent of approximately £37,000.
• Full-time, permanent position with a 40-hour working week.
• Supportive working environment within a respected care organization.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities with excellent career opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to residents' daily lives.