Chef

Kingsley Healthcare; Woodbridge; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingsley Healthcare in the United Kingdom is seeking a Chef to plan and provide daily nutritious meals for residents, ensuring freshness, quality and budget compliance. You will lead and motivate the kitchen team to maintain high standards of service and food safety.

The role requires experience in healthcare catering, strong cooking skills, and a commitment to residents’ dietary needs. Training and development opportunities are available within a well-established care provider.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef with a track record in healthcare or hospitality settings.
• Knowledge of nutrition and ability to develop menus meeting dietary needs.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 and commitment to health and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare daily menus meeting nutritional needs and resident preferences.
• Prepare meals that are appetising, visually appealing, and within budget.
• Monitor food stocks and order supplies as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of food orders and inventory.
• Ensure safe, hygienic food handling, storage and service.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff in food preparation and service.
• Implement and uphold health and safety procedures, including proper food handling.
• Keep the kitchen clean and organised, including regular deep cleaning.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Build positive relationships with residents and families, and respond to feedback.

Skills

Chef experience

Healthcare hospitality

Nutrition knowledge

Food hygiene

Communication

Time management

Health & safety

Staff training

Flexible hours

Team leadership

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

First Aid Certified

NVQ 2/3 in Catering

Job description

About the company

At Kingsley Healthcare, we are more than just a care home group - we are a proud, family-run business driven by a passion to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every single day. Our dedicated teams transform care into a calling, delivering excellence with compassion, integrity, and respect.

As the UK’s only large care home provider to achieve B Corp certification, we continue to lead the sector in responsible, values-driven care. In 2024 and again in 2025, we were honoured to be named Health Investor’s Residential Elderly Large Care Provider of the Year, a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation.

For eight consecutive years, we’ve been recognised among the Top 20 Large UK Care Home Groups by carehome.co.uk, reflecting consistently high standards and resident satisfaction. We are also proud to be a Real Living Wage employer, ensuring that the dedication of our team members is valued and fairly rewarded.

Our commitment to people-first values has earned us outstanding workplace recognition, including a 4.7 rating on Glassdoor, a 4.5 rating on Indeed, and the No.1 ranking in the UK for wellbeing at work (Indeed’s Better Work Awards 2023).

If you're passionate about delivering exceptional care and want to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that puts both its residents and people at the heart of everything it does, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

As a Chef, you will be responsible for the planning and provision of daily nutritious meals for all our residents while ensuring the food you purchase is fresh and within budget. In addition, you will ensure all health and safety and environmental standards are achieved and maintained. You must be a team player who will inspire and motivate your team.

Reports to: Home Manager

Key duties and responsibilities

• Plan and prepare daily menus that meet the nutritional needs and preferences of our residents.
• Prepare meals that are appetizing, visually appealing, and within budget.
• Monitor food stocks and order supplies as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of food orders and inventory.
• Ensure that all food is stored, prepared, and served in a safe and hygienic manner.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff in food preparation and service.
• Implement and maintain health and safety procedures, including proper food handling and storage.
• Keep the kitchen clean and organized, including regular deep cleaning.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Build positive relationships with residents and their families, and respond promptly to their feedback and requests.

Skills and attributes

• Proven experience as a Chef, preferably in a healthcare or hospitality setting.
• Excellent cooking skills and knowledge of various cooking techniques.
• Knowledge of nutrition and the ability to develop menus that meet dietary requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work efficiently under pressure.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Ability to train and supervise kitchen staff.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Education and qualification

• Food Hygiene Certified – Level 2 – willing to work towards Intermediate Food Hygiene qualifications.
• First Aid Certified.
• NVQ Level 2/3 in Food Preparation/Catering.

What will you gain?

You will have the satisfaction of working with, and being supported by, an enthusiastic and caring team that puts people at the heart of the business. We know the happiness of our staff improves the service we give our residents. You will have plenty of opportunities to learn and develop your skills, and we have the procedures and processes to help you at every step.