Head Chef

NHS; Bridport; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Bridport is looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team, ensuring high-quality and nutritious meals for Residents. Responsibilities include managing kitchen operations and creating enjoyable mealtime experiences, with a strong emphasis on dietary needs and compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications in catering and hospitality, along with leadership experience.

Benefits

£1000 Welcome Bonus

Free uniform

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays

GP online service for you and your children under 16

Qualifications

• An S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery is required.
• A minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate is essential.
• Good understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals.
• Manage kitchen operations, including stock, budgets, and compliance with food safety standards.
• Create enjoyable mealtime experiences for Residents.

Skills

Leadership

Organisation

Customer Service

Education

S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Overview

As Head Chef at HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything you do. You will inspire your kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that Residents will genuinely enjoy, supporting their health and wellbeing. You will consider individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements.

With hygiene and safety front of mind, you will manage the kitchen efficiently, overseeing stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP. You will work with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence while running a smooth, well-organised kitchen operation. You will help shape mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences.

Location: Higher Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3EU. Date posted: 29 September 2025. Salary: £15.35 to £15.95 per hour. Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Full-time. Reference: 66747.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals for Residents.
• Ensure dishes support Residents’ health, wellbeing, dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements.
• Manage kitchen operations, including stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with HACCP and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence and provide a smooth kitchen operation.
• Create mealtime experiences that are enjoyable and ambient for Residents.

Qualifications

• An S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery
• A minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
• A good understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)

Requirements & Skills

Beyond qualifications, we value energy, leadership, and the ability to motivate others. You will be organised, able to plan ahead, and committed to delivering excellent service every day. Most importantly, you will be kind, considerate, and dedicated to making our care homes a great place to live and work.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You must recognise signs of possible abuse, harm, or neglect and know what to do if concerns arise. All colleagues must attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and undertake additional training as required, including escalation if action is not taken.

About HC-One

At HC-One, kindness is more than a word – it’s a way of life. We champion five key qualities: Kindness, Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, Courage, and Dependability. We are committed to inclusivity and supporting residents through digital care planning. We offer clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and opportunities at regional and national levels. We require applicants to have the right to work in the UK and do not offer sponsorship for time-limited visas.

Rewards & Benefits

You will enjoy a wide range of benefits to support your well-being and development, including:

• Hourly rate subject to experience and qualifications
• £1000 Welcome Bonus
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• A nutritious meal during shifts of eight hours or more
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance
• Wagestream for financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay
• Learning, development, and qualifications support
• GP online service for you and your children under 16
• Discounts, wellbeing support, and recognition schemes
• Refer-a-friend scheme (up to £1000 per referral, depending on role)

Note: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. A Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service may be required.