Care Home Chef

Allegra Care; Hurn; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairmile Grange Care Home in Dorset, part of Allegra Care Group, is seeking an experienced Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver nutritious, home-cooked meals for residents. You will plan balanced menus, manage stock and budgets, ensure HACCP compliance and maintain high hygiene standards while supporting kitchen staff and working with the care team to respect residents' dietary and cultural needs.

This is a full-time, permanent role at 40 hours per week with alternate weekends, paying

Qualifications

• Experience in a care home kitchen preferred.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergens.
• Strong hygiene and food safety practices.

Responsibilities

• 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 meet residents' needs and preferences.

Skills

Care home kitchen experience

Dietary knowledge

Food hygiene knowledge

Flexibility

Time management

Team leadership

Passion for cooking

Education

Cheffing qualification (L2/L3)

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Fairmile Grange Care Home, Hampshire

Part of the Allegra Care Group

Salary: £16.15 per hour (equivalent to approximately c£33,600 per annum)

Hours: 40 hours per week, including alternate weekends

Location: Christchurch, Dorset

Join Our Team

Fairmile Grange 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:

• A cheffing qualification (L2 or preferable L3)
• Previous experience working as a Chef in a care home kitchen would be desirable
• 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 £16.15 per hour.
• Full-time, permanent position with a 40-hour working week.
• Supportive working environment within a respected care organisation.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities with excellent career opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to residents' daily lives.