Chef Manager - Care Home

HR-CL Ltd; Old Woking; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in Old Woking is seeking a talented Chef Manager to lead their kitchen team. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering nutritious meals, managing stock, and adhering to hygiene standards. This position offers sociable working hours, no late nights, and the chance to make a significant impact on residents' lives. Your leadership and culinary skills are essential, alongside relevant catering qualifications.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Sociable working hours

Free meals on duty

Training and development opportunities

Life insurance

28 days holiday

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef, or Sous Chef in care home or contract catering.
• Strong passion for nutritious cooking and resident wellbeing.
• Understanding of dietary requirements and allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train kitchen team to deliver excellent meals.
• Plan and prepare balanced menus tailored to residents.
• Ensure compliance with dietary and nutritional standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Food safety management

Caring attitude

Wholesome cooking

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

We're looking for a talented and caring Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team of a flagship care home. You'll take pride in delivering fresh, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals that enhance the wellbeing of our residents every day. As Chef Manager, you'll be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen - from menu planning and staff supervision to ensuring every dish meets our high standards for taste, nutrition, and presentation. This is the perfect opportunity for an experienced chef who wants to make a real difference in a rewarding, community-focused environment - without the late nights or high-pressure restaurant hours.

• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service
• Plan and prepare seasonal, balanced menus tailored to residents' needs and preferences
• Ensure all dietary requirements, allergens, and nutritional standards are met
• Manage stock control, ordering, and kitchen budgets effectively
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and health & safety compliance
• Support special occasions, themed events, and celebrations within the home
• Build positive relationships with residents, families, and colleagues
• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Head Chef, or Sous Chef in a care home, education, or contract catering setting
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• A passion for fresh, wholesome cooking and resident wellbeing
• Excellent understanding of food safety and allergen management
• Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ Level 2/3, City & Guilds 706/1 & 2)
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• A caring, positive attitude and team-focused approach
• Competitive salary and great company benefits
• Sociable working hours - no late nights!
• Free meals on duty
• Training and development opportunities
• Supportive, welcoming team environment
• The chance to make a real difference in residents' daily lives
• Life insurance
• 28 days holiday