Chef

Kerry Collins Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Collins Recruitment is seeking a dedicated Chef specialised in care home settings to prepare nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to residents' dietary needs, ensuring a safe and welcoming dining environment. You will lead and support kitchen staff, plan menus, and maintain high standards of food presentation and service.

The role requires proven supervisory experience and strong leadership, with a background in food production, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in culinary roles within hospitality, restaurant, or care home environments.
• Supervising experience with the ability to lead a team.
• Strong background in food production, preparation, cooking and serving techniques.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Leadership qualities with a proactive approach to problem-solving and team management.
• Experience in managing kitchen operations within a care home or similar setting is highly desirable.
• Good communication skills to liaise effectively with staff and residents’ families.
• Flexibility to work shifts as required by the care home's operational hours.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals per dietary requirements and guidelines for residents.
• Supervise and manage kitchen staff for efficiency and quality.
• Oversee food production: portion control, presentation, and hygiene.
• Lead team in cooking and serving meals on time.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety compliance.
• Monitor stock, order supplies, and manage inventory.
• Implement food safety protocols and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with care staff on special dietary needs.
• Train new staff and support ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to a welcoming dining experience for residents.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Team supervision

Nutrition planning

Communication skills

Kitchen management

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Chef specialised in care home settings to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to the dietary needs of residents, ensuring a safe and welcoming dining environment. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a passion for culinary arts and a commitment to providing exceptional care through food. Prior supervisory experience and strong leadership skills are highly desirable, as you will oversee kitchen operations and manage a team of catering staff. A background in food production, food safety, and hospitality is essential to deliver consistent, professional service that meets regulatory standards.

Duties

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with dietary requirements and nutritional guidelines specific to care home residents
• Supervise and manage kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow and high standards of food quality
• Oversee food production processes, including portion control, presentation, and hygiene practices
• Lead the team in food preparation, cooking, and serving activities to ensure timely delivery of meals
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen environment in compliance with health and safety regulations
• Monitor stock levels, order supplies as necessary, and manage inventory efficiently
• Implement food safety protocols and ensure all team members adhere to hygiene standards
• Collaborate with care staff to accommodate special dietary needs or restrictions
• Assist in training new staff members and support ongoing professional development within the team
• Contribute to creating a warm and welcoming dining experience for residents

Requirements

• Proven experience in culinary roles within hospitality, restaurant, or care home environments
• Supervising experience with the ability to lead a team effectively
• Strong background in food production, preparation, cooking, and serving techniques
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulations (e.g., HACCP)
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Leadership qualities with a proactive approach to problem-solving and team management
• Experience in managing kitchen operations within a care home or similar setting is highly desirable
• Good communication skills to liaise effectively with staff and residents’ families
• Flexibility to work shifts as required by the care home's operational hours

This role provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference through culinary excellence while working within a supportive environment dedicated to resident wellbeing.

Work Location: In person