Head Chef

Pho Restaurants; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider is seeking an experienced Regional Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations across multiple care home sites in the UK. The successful candidate will ensure high standards of food quality and safety, support chefs during staff shortages, and liaise with management to enhance training. A Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene certificate and a valid UK driving license are essential, along with a genuine interest in working in a caring environment. This role offers flexibility and travel across the region.

Benefits

28 days Paid Holiday

Paid Mileage

Pension Scheme

Blue Light Card

Employee Assistance Scheme

Free DBS Check and uniform

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene certificate.
• Full UK driving licence required for travel.
• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with management for chef training programs.
• Audit kitchen operations to ensure standards.
• Develop positive relationships with kitchen teams.
• Lead kitchen operations during staff shortages.
• Maintain compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Food Safety & Hygiene

Organisational skills

Team player

Education

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Regional Head Chef to join our Hospitality team. You will work alongside our Regional Support Chef & Group Hospitality Manager to support kitchen operations across multiple care home sites within a region/cluster, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and resident satisfaction. This is a flexible role requiring travel between homes. You’ll step in to support homes during absences & assist with new openings, ensuring consistent delivery of tasty, well‑balanced meals tailored to residents’ needs.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with the Hospitality management team to create regular chef’s forums and training sessions to cover the needs of the homes you are supporting.
• When required, audit the kitchen operations to ensure that the food quality, presentation, and service are provided to the appropriate standards as defined by the catering policies and mealtime standards.
• To develop and maintain good working relationships with the homes management and kitchen teams through regular personal contact.
• Ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines and individual care plans.
• Support on‑site chefs across care homes.
• Step in to lead kitchen operations during staff shortages or absences.
• Ensure all kitchens meet food hygiene, health & safety, and HACCP standards.
• Conduct, when required, audits and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Train and develop kitchen staff.
• Promote a positive kitchen culture and high performance.
• Maintain food budgets, where possible.
• Monitor waste and portion control.
• Gather feedback from residents and families to improve meal satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene (minimum)
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the region
• Proven experience as a Head Chef, ideally in a care or healthcare setting
• A flexible and adaptable approach with strong organisational skills
• Genuine interest in working within a caring environment
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Team player
• Willingness to participate in vocational training programmes
• Satisfactory DBS result and good references
• Experience of the provision of catering services, food preparation and presentation
• This is a field‑based role and will require the successful candidate to travel within the region. Access to a car and a driving licence is essential.

Benefits

• 28 days Paid Holiday
• Paid Mileage
• Pension Scheme
• Blue Light Card and access to various other discounts on travel, restaurants, days out and leisure
• Employee Assistance Scheme that is also available to immediate family members
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing, paid training
• Free DBS Check and uniform
• Opportunities to progress your career within the company