Head Chef

NHS; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent elderly care provider in Chertsey is seeking a Head Chef responsible for managing kitchen operations, menu planning, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The role requires two years of experience in culinary management and a relevant qualification. This position offers a salary of £38,000 to £40,000 a year and is a full-time permanent role.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience managing a culinary team in the care or hospitality sectors.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to delivering high-quality culinary standards to residents.
• Ability to control a budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of kitchen staff to deliver high-quality meals.
• Prepare modified diets in line with IDDSI guidance.
• Place food orders and manage procurement within budget limits.
• Supervise kitchen staff and ensure food preparation standards are met.
• Uphold safe systems of work prioritizing safety.

Skills

Culinary management

Budget control

Diet preparation

Food safety compliance

Education

Catering qualification (City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or NVQ)

Job description

Overview

The Head Chef role at Avery Healthcare is a senior culinary leadership position responsible for managing the kitchen operations, menu planning, and ensuring compliance with dietary requirements and food safety standards to deliver nutritionally balanced meals for residents.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of kitchen staff and the Host team to deliver high-quality meals for residents.
• Prepare modified diets in line with IDDSI guidance and ensure meals are appealing and well-balanced.
• Place food orders with approved suppliers, maintain stock levels, and manage procurement within budget limits.
• Supervise and direct kitchen staff, including instructing and demonstrating food preparation to unqualified staff.
• Uphold safe systems of work and assess risks related to moving and handling, prioritising the safety of residents, visitors, and staff.

About You / Qualifications

• Two years’ experience managing a culinary team in the care or hospitality sectors.
• Relevant catering qualification (City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or NVQ).
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to delivering high-quality culinary standards to residents.
• Ability to control a budget.

About Avery

Avery Healthcare is one of the UK’s largest providers of luxury elderly care homes, with a vision of "creating meaningful lives together." We offer an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to deliver exceptional care across a growing network of homes.

Details

• Date posted: 27 October 2025
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £38,000 to £40,000 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 1414216512
• Job locations: Avery Healthcare, Chertsey, KT16 9FS

Other requirements

• A DBS disclosure check (costs covered by Avery Healthcare).
• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

This advert may be withdrawn prior to the advertised deadline depending on the volume of applications received and business needs.