Chef Manager

Quantum Care; Waterford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Care is looking for an experienced Chef to join Pinewood Lodge in South Oxhey, Watford as a Chef Manager. This full-time role offers 37 hours per week with a salary of £35,364 per annum, working 8am/8.30am to 5pm/5.30pm on weekdays and alternate weekends.

You'll lead a kitchen team, ensure nutritious meals, maintain food safety standards, and collaborate with care staff to support residents. The new facility will feature a modern, fully equipped kitchen and opportunities for progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef or in a culinary leadership role.
• Strong culinary expertise with a focus on nutritious meals.
• Excellent leadership to manage and motivate teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations and best kitchen practises.

Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: Create well-balanced meals tailored to dietary needs.
• Team Scheduling: Plan rotas and cover for absences.
• Catering Operations: Oversee catering service ensuring safety, cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Training Compliance: Ensure staff complete required training.
• Stock Management: Conduct stock takes and maintain inventory.
• Customer Engagement: Communicate with residents and staff to gather feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Team management

Food safety

Nutrition planning

Education

NVQ Intermediate Food Hygiene

Job description

Chef Manager

Contract: Full Time- Perm

Hour: 37 hours per week

Pay: £35,364 per annum

Shift Times: 8am/8.30am to 5pm/5.30pm - Weekdays & Alternate Weekends

Location: Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, WD19 7HR

Quantum Care is a no‑for‑profit organisation supporting over 2,000 older people across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex. Our mission is simple: to help our residents live well, with dignity, comfort and joy. To do that, we need people who care as much as we do and Make Every Day Matter.

We are seeking an Experienced Chef to join our Care Home Pinewood Lodge in South Oxhey, Watford as a Chef Manager. If you’re passionate about good food and want your work to genuinely make a difference, this could be the perfect role for you.

Exciting developments are underway at Pinewood Lodge, which will soon relocate to a brand-new, purpose-built care home in the South Oxhey area at Furzewood Lodge Care Home. The modern facility has been thoughtfully designed to provide an excellent working environment and will include a newly fitted, fully equipped commercial kitchen.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience as a Chef or in a comparable culinary leadership role.
• Strong culinary expertise with a passion for preparing nutritious meals.
• Excellent leadership skills with a track record of managing and motivating teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations and best kitchen practises.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to support resident care.
• The holder of a C&G 706/01, 706/02 or NVQ equivalent Intermediate Food Hygiene/ Safety certificate.
• Well organised.
• Sensitive to the needs of older people.

Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: Create homely, well-balanced meals tailored to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
• Team Scheduling: Plan staff rotas to ensure smooth kitchen operations and arrange cover for absences using existing and casual staff.
• Catering Operations: Oversee all aspects of the catering service, ensuring it is safe, cost-effective, and of high quality.
• Training Compliance: Ensure all kitchen staff complete required statutory training.
• Stock Management: Conduct regular stock takes and maintain inventory at agreed minimum levels.
• Customer Engagement: Communicate regularly with residents and staff to gather feedback and foster a welcoming dining experience.

Why Join Quantum Care?

We value our teams and invest in their wellbeing, growth and success. In return for your dedication, you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary with enhanced pay on weekends and Bank Holidays
• Clear career development pathways and recognition of milestones
• First‑class in‑house training from day one
• Free Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support
• Company pension scheme (after 1 year of service)
• Free DBS check and uniform
• Access to retail discounts and exclusive offers
• A supportive, values‑driven workplace where your contribution truly matters

Terms and Conditions apply to all benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well‑established organisation offering rewarding work, a strong sense of purpose and real opportunities for progression. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who have the right to work in the UK. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

An Overseas Police Check/ Certificate of Good Conduct may be required if you have lived or worked outside the UK for 12 Months or more, spent a significant period overseas, or worked abroad in a position of trust. This will be in addition to a mandatory Enhanced DBS check.

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