Head Chef

Medirest; Belfast; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading senior living service provider in Sydenham seeks a passionate Head Chef to deliver exceptional meals for residents. This full-time role involves planning, managing kitchen operations, and leading a dedicated team. Ideal candidates will have a strong culinary background, proven leadership skills, and a commitment to food safety. Benefits include free meals, a contributory pension scheme, and various discounts. Join a supportive environment where you can grow your career.

Benefits

Free meals

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Access to Digital GP

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef or Head Chef within care, hospitality, or senior living.
• Strong leadership and team management skills required.
• Knowledge of food safety standards essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee meal production.
• Lead and manage the kitchen team.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
• Manage stock and budgets efficiently.
• Innovate menus to meet dietary needs.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Culinary passion

Adaptability

Job description

Head Chef - St Christopher's Hospice

Location: Sydenham

Salary: up to £38000 per annum

Shift Pattern: 5 days out of 7, 40 hours per week between 7am and 6pm

We are a leading Senior Living business dedicated to providing exceptional care and high‑quality dining experiences for our residents. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where both our residents and team members thrive.

The Role

We are seeking a talented and passionate Head Chef on a full‑time basis working 5 over 7 days to be a part of our kitchen team in Sydenham, delivering outstanding, nutritious, and appealing meals for our residents. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves food, has strong leadership skills, and enjoys working in a caring, people‑focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of all meals to the highest standards.
• Lead, motivate, and manage the kitchen team to ensure smooth operations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations.
• Manage stock, orders, and budgets efficiently.
• Innovate menus that meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences.
• Maintain high standards of presentation and portion control.

The Person

• Proven experience as a Chef, Chef Manager or Head Chef, ideally within care, hospitality, or senior living.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulations.
• Passion for delivering excellent culinary experiences.
• Flexible and adaptable.

Benefits

• Free meals
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK &I, Medirest is the specialist healthcare operating company of Compass Group UK & Ireland, providing a full range of hotel services, including staff, patient and visitor catering, domestics, portering, security and reception, at over 130 NHS Trusts and private hospitals.

Equal Opportunities

Compass Group UK &I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!