Chef Manager

SANCTUARY CARE LIMITED; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave pro rata

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Life insurance

Flexible working options

Free meals

Staff discounts

Cycle to Work

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

SANCTUARY CARE LIMITED in London is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead the culinary team at Athlone House, delivering nutritious, restaurant-quality meals with balance and stability.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong culinary skills and a focus on dietary needs for older people, while managing stock, budget and hygiene standards. You will recruit and support a small team in a structured, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Lead the day to day running of the kitchen, supporting a Chef team.
• Prepare and cook meals that meet dietary needs for older people.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety through checks.
• Recruit, train and support the catering team to grow and succeed.
• A valid food hygiene certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day to day running of the kitchen, supporting an Assistant Chef and Catering Assistants.
• Prepare and cook meals that meet individual dietary requirements for older people.
• Manage stock and waste while working within budget.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety and compliance through regular checks and risk assessments.
• Recruit, train and support the catering team to help them grow and succeed.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Dietary accommodation

Food safety

Stock & waste management

People development

Education

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

We're excited to welcome an experienced Chef Manager to lead our culinary team at Athlone House in London , delivering nutritious, restaurant-quality meals without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. This is a hands-on leadership role where your culinary skills, creativity, and standards really matter, within a structured environment that supports balance and stability. We also celebrate culinary creativity through our annual Sanctuary Care MasterChef competition, giving Chef Managers the opportunity to showcase their skills, share ideas, and be recognised across the organisation. As a not-for-profit and Investors in People Gold organisation, every penny we make is reinvested into our people and our homes, with clear development pathways and recognition for the difference you make. We're proud winners of the 2025 Nursing Times Award for Care of Older People and the 2025 Care Home Awards Best for Training and Development, and Outstanding Larger Care Home Group. Your role

• Lead the day to day running of the kitchen, supporting an Assistant Chef and Catering Assistants
• Prepare and cook meals that meet individual dietary requirements for older people
• Manage stock and waste while working within budget
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety and compliance through regular checks and risk assessments
• Recruit, train and support the catering team to help them grow and succeed
  Experience catering for the dietary needs of older people
• A valid food hygiene certificate
• A friendly, approachable nature and enjoyment of working with people
• Confidence leading and supporting a small team
  You deserve more than the basics. That's why, alongside 33 days' annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension, we've created a package to help you thrive:
• CQC inspection bonus
• Health and wellbeing support - including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Enhanced parental leave arrangements and annual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities, including our Team Leader Development Programme
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
• Free meals dependant on shift duration
• Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements