Head Chef

Platinum Recruitment Consultancy; Chigwell; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head Chef based in Loughton to lead a skilled kitchen team and deliver high-quality dishes. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and experience in kitchen administration. This fixed-term contract offers a competitive salary ranging from £35,000 to £42,000, alongside unique perks like one free meal per shift and enhanced pay for bank holidays.

Benefits

Competitive salary

One free meal per shift

Enhanced pay for Bank Holidays

Extra annual leave after 3 years’ service

Cycle to Work scheme

An extra day off for milestone birthdays

Company sick pay (subject to service length)

"Refer a Friend" rewards for successful hires

Recognition and long-service awards

Genuine appreciation for your contribution

Qualifications

• Experience as Exec Chef or Lead Chef.
• Experience within a care home setting is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and dining service across the home.
• Design, present, and deliver high-quality menu options.
• Source ingredients and ensure exceptional service standards.
• Oversee compliance with Health, Safety, Food Hygiene, and COSHH regulations.
• Recruit, train, and develop your kitchen team.

Skills

Strong leadership and management skills

Experience with kitchen administration and ordering systems

Knowledge of IDDSI

Commitment to delivering outstanding food and service standards

Job description

Head Chef - London │ £35,000 - £42,000 - Fixed Term Contract 3 months.

As Head Chef based in Loughton, you’ll be leading a skilled kitchen team, crafting nutritious, high-quality dishes that make a real difference every day. This is a great opportunity for a culinary professional who values quality, teamwork, and the chance to lead in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

Why apply / What’s in it for you?

You’ll enjoy:

• A competitive salary of £35,000 - £42,000
• One free meal per shift
• Enhanced pay for Bank Holidays
• Extra annual leave after 3 years’ service
• Cycle to Work scheme
• An extra day off for milestone birthdays
• Company sick pay (subject to service length)
• "Refer a Friend" rewards for successful hires
• Recognition and long-service awards
• Genuine appreciation for your contribution

Key Responsibilities

As Head Chef, you will:

• Lead the kitchen and dining service across the home
• Design, present, and deliver high-quality menu options
• Source ingredients and ensure exceptional service standards
• Oversee compliance with Health, Safety, Food Hygiene, and COSHH regulations
• Recruit, train, and develop your kitchen team

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking a motivated Exec Chef or Lead Chef ready to step into a leadership role. You’ll bring:

• Strong leadership and management skills
• Experience with kitchen administration and ordering systems
• Knowledge of IDDSI and experience within a care home setting (advantageous)
• A commitment to delivering outstanding food and service standards

If you’re a Head Chef in Loughton looking to take the lead in a respected, values-driven care provider, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to take the next step in your culinary career.

Job Number │ HC-FTC_WOD

Location │ Loughton

Role │ Head Chef

Platinum Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy