Head Chef

Aurem Care; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 hours per week

Life insurance

Free DBS check (terms)

Free on-site parking

Company pension scheme

Wagestream – access earned wages

Employee Assistance Programme

Free in-house training

Fully funded apprenticeships

Annual salary review

Job summary

Aurem Care is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at our Brimington care home in Chesterfield. The role runs full-time, 36 hours weekly, with shifts from 7am to 3pm, and a salary of £14.79 per hour (about £27,686 per year).

You will oversee menu design, hygiene, staff development and dietary planning for residents. Responsibilities include coordinating kitchen operations, managing costs, annual leave, DBS checks, and ensuring meals meet high quality and nutrition standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Head Chef in a care or similar environment.
• Experience managing and motivating a kitchen team.
• Strong understanding of balanced menu planning.
• Ability to cater for varied dietary requirements and specialist diets.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to residents' wellbeing and dining experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate kitchen operations to meet standards and deadlines.
• Oversee menus, hygiene, safety, staffing, cleaning and waste control.
• Recruit, supervise, train and develop kitchen staff.
• Manage food orders and supplies within budgets.
• Maintain HACCP records and complete documentation.
• Conduct monthly kitchen audits and report to Home Manager.
• Create nutritious menus considering variety and presentation.
• Consult residents to meet dietary needs and preferences.
• Prepare specialist diets as directed by nursing staff.
• Maintain stock levels and deep-clean schedules.
• Prepare staff rotas and plan menus for events.
• Support residents and Home Manager as needed.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Dietary accommodation

Communication

Organisation

Independent work

Commitment to wellbeing

Job description

Head Chef

Brimington Care 73-77 Manor Road, Brimington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S43 1NN

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team within our care home.

You will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the kitchen operation, ensuring meals are prepared to the highest standards, delivered on time, and tailored to meet the needs of our residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate all kitchen operations to ensure food is prepared to agreed standards and deadlines.


• Implement and oversee kitchen controls, including menus, hygiene, health and safety, staffing, cleaning, and waste management.


• Recruit, supervise, train, and develop kitchen staff within agreed guidelines.


• Manage catering consumables and food ordering.


• Maintain full compliance with HACCP procedures, ensuring all documentation is completed and signed correctly.


• Complete monthly kitchen audits and report findings to the Home Manager.


• Create balanced, nutritious menus within agreed budgets, considering variety, presentation, and nutritional value.


• Consult regularly with residents to ensure their dietary needs, preferences, and choices are met.


• Prepare specialist diets as directed by nursing staff.


• Monitor and maintain agreed food stock levels.


• Implement and maintain a deep-cleaning schedule for the kitchen.


• Conduct monthly stock takes.


• Produce and manage four-weekly staff rotas.


• Work within agreed budget guidelines.


• Assist with planning and costing menus for special functions and events.


• Support requests from residents and the Home Manager whenever possible.


• Attend resident and relative meetings where appropriate.


• Conduct staff supervision sessions in line with company policies.


• Complete staff performance and personal development reviews.


• Undertake any additional duties required to support the effective delivery of services within the home.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Head Chef (Working in a similiar enviroment would be preferred)


• Experience managing and motivating a team.


• Strong understanding of balanced menu planning.


• Ability to cater for a variety of dietary requirements and specialist diets.


• Good communication and interpersonal skills.


• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• A genuine commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and dining experience of our residents.

What We Offer

• Full-time, permanent contract


• 36 hours per week, including weekend working


• £14.79 per hour ( Equivalent to £27,686 per annum)


• Working hours: 7am - 3pm


• 28 days annual leave, including bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts)


• Life insurance


• Free DBS check (terms and conditions apply)


• Free on-site parking


• Company pension scheme


• Wagestream – access earned wages before payday


• Employee Assistance Programme providing healthcare and mental health support


• Free in-house training through our e-learning platform, Hippo


• Fully funded apprenticeship opportunities


• Annual salary review


• A supportive organisation that values and empowers its people

Important Note

Aurem Care is not a sponsoring organisation. All applicants must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure it independently.

Why Join Aurem Care

Aurem Care has been recognised with the prestigious Top 20 Care Home Group Award by carehome.co.uk, reflecting our commitment to delivering outstanding care across the UK.

Our homes are built around people caring for people. We believe every care home should be a happy home for residents, loved ones, and staff alike.

Our Values Guide Everything We Do

Diversity

• Integrity


• Fun


• Commitment


• Connection