Care Kitchen Chef - Lead Menu Planning & Team Support

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days annual leave

Weekend & bank holiday enhancements

Induction training

Training & development opportunities

Employee wellbeing support

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking a friendly Chef for Hawthorne Court, a residential care home for older adults. You will work with a supportive team to prepare meals, assist and guide catering staff, and ensure quality, dietary compliance and safe service.

The role offers induction and ongoing training, weekend enhancements, and a genuine opportunity to make a difference in residents' lives through high-quality food and service.

Qualifications

• Previous catering experience, ideally in a care, hospitality or similar setting.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and adapt to changing situations and demands.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Commitment to providing high-quality food and service.
• Compassion, empathy and respect for residents and their individual needs.
• A willingness to learn and develop, with training provided to support your success.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day catering operation, helping to ensure high-quality meal preparation and service.
• Support and guide catering assistants, organising tasks and helping the team work efficiently.
• Monitor meal quality, presentation and adherence to dietary requirements.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and health and safety regulations.
• Work with the Chef Manager to plan menus, cater for special dietary requirements and support special events.
• In the absence of the Chef Manager, support the catering team to ensure the smooth running of the service.

Skills

Catering experience

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Organisational skills

Quality food service

Compassion and empathy

Willingness to learn

Job description

Hampshire County Council is seeking a friendly Chef for Hawthorne Court, a residential care home for older adults. You will work with a supportive team to prepare meals, assist and guide catering staff, and ensure quality, dietary compliance and safe service.

The role offers induction and ongoing training, weekend enhancements, and a genuine opportunity to make a difference in residents' lives through high-quality food and service.