Head Chef

Colten Care; Brockenhurst; On-site; GBP 39,307 - 48,042; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & Support

Contributory Pension

Free meals on duty

Flexible overtime

Job summary

Colten Care is seeking a Head Chef for Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Hampshire. You will lead the kitchen and waiting teams, crafting fresh, home-cooked meals from locally sourced ingredients while engaging residents to tailor dining experiences.

The role offers a 4 days on / 4 days off rota with shifts from 6:30am to 6:30pm, averaging 42 hours per week. You'll bring passion, leadership, and a focus on quality, with a City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis

Qualifications

• You’ll lead the kitchen and waiting teams, setting high standards and a positive dining experience.
• Desirable qualifications include City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis Chef.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kitchen and dining teams to deliver high-quality meals.
• Shape dining experiences and engage residents at special events within the home.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure fresh, locally sourced meals.

Education

City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis Chef

Job description

Head Chef

From £43,675 + paid overtime

4 days on / 4 days off | 6:30am - 6:30pm | Average 42 hours per week

Join us at Woodpeckers.

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen at Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Hampshire. This is a unique opportunity to combine your culinary skills, creating meals that bring comfort, enjoyment and fine dining to our residents every day.

Working in a modern kitchen equipped with high end appliances, you’ll take pride in preparing fresh, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. With nutritious daily menus including freshly baked cakes, your food will play a key role in enhancing residents’ wellbeing. You’ll also take the lead in shaping the dining experience, engaging with residents to understand their preferences and bringing your ideas to life at special events within the home.

As the head of the kitchen, you’ll lead and support both the kitchen and waiting teams, setting high standards and creating a positive, collaborative environment.

Why this role stands out

• 4 on / 4 off rota posted 4 weeks in advance with shifts finishing at 6:30pm
• Paid breaks and overtime opportunities
• Modern kitchen with quality equipment and fresh ingredients
• Overtime opportunities available

About you

You’re a skilled and motivated chef who takes pride in delivering high-quality food and creating a positive dining experience. You enjoy leading a team, building relationships, and bringing energy and creativity into the kitchen.

A City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis Chef is desirable along with experience in a similar role.

About Colten Care

We’re an award-winning, family-owned care home group with an outstanding reputation. All 21 of our homes are rated Good by the CQC, with 7 rated Outstanding. Our success is built on our people and our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do.

Additional benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from excellent training and support, a contributory pension scheme, free meals on duty, and flexible overtime to suit your lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a Head Chef role where you can lead with creativity, make a meaningful impact, and still enjoy your time outside of work, we’d love to hear from you.