Head Chef

Blue Arrow; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident Employer

Job summary

Blue Arrow is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the catering operation within a care home in Basingstoke. You will create nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.

You will manage a busy kitchen team, design seasonal menus, control stock and budgets, and foster a culture of care and excellence, delivering an outstanding dining experience every day for residents and staff.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Level 2 Health & Safety qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a senior catering position.
• Good standard of spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop the kitchen team, promoting a positive and supportive working environment.
• Design nutritious, balanced, and seasonal menus that cater for a range of dietary needs and preferences.
• Ensure all meals are prepared and presented to a consistently high standard.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and food cost budgets effectively.
• Reduce waste while maintaining food quality and portion consistency.
• Oversee kitchen rotas and staffing levels to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and CQC-related catering standards.
• Ensure all kitchen documentation and compliance records are completed accurately.
• Train and support team members in food safety, allergens, and best practice procedures.
• Build positive relationships with residents, care staff, and families to ensure individual dietary needs are met.
• Support special events, themed dining experiences, and celebrations within the home.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Food safety

Budget management

Team management

Communication

Resident-focused care

Education

Level 2 Food Safety

Level 2 Health & Safety

NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery

City & Guilds Catering

Job description

Head Chef - Care Home

Basingstoke, Hampshire

Full-Time/Part time

Lead a Kitchen That Makes a Difference

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to lead the catering operation within a welcoming care homes in Basingstoke. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to create nutritious, high-quality meals that positively impact the health, wellbeing, and daily lives of our residents.

As Head Chef, you will oversee a busy kitchen team, ensuring the delivery of exceptional food and service while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, compliance, and resident satisfaction. You'll have the freedom to create varied and exciting menus tailored to individual dietary requirements and preferences.

The successful candidate will be a strong leader, an organised kitchen professional, and someone who genuinely cares about delivering an outstanding dining experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop the kitchen team, promoting a positive and supportive working environment.
• Design nutritious, balanced, and seasonal menus that cater for a range of dietary needs and preferences.
• Ensure all meals are prepared and presented to a consistently high standard.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and food cost budgets effectively.
• Reduce waste while maintaining food quality and portion consistency.
• Oversee kitchen rotas and staffing levels to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and CQC-related catering standards.
• Ensure all kitchen documentation and compliance records are completed accurately.
• Train and support team members in food safety, allergens, and best practice procedures.
• Build positive relationships with residents, care staff, and families to ensure individual dietary needs are met.
• Support special events, themed dining experiences, and celebrations within the home.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent culinary knowledge with a passion for fresh, nutritious food.
• Previous experience within care homes, healthcare, education, contract catering, or similar environments is desirable.
• Experience managing budgets, food costs, and stock control.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to lead by example in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a resident-focused approach.

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Level 2 Health & Safety qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a senior catering position.
• Good standard of spoken and written English.

Desirable

• City & Guilds Catering Qualification or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
• Additional Food Safety and Allergen Management qualifications.
• Experience with specialist diets, texture-modified meals, and nutritional planning.
• Knowledge of COSHH regulations and safe working practices.
• Experience working within a regulated care environment.
• IDSSI qualification (or willing to obatin).We're looking for a passionate and caring Head Chef who takes pride in producing delicious, nutritious meals and leading a successful kitchen team. You will be organised, creative, and committed to providing residents with an enjoyable dining experience every day while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and service.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people