Head Chef

NHS; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Chipping Norton is seeking a Head Chef to lead a team in creating nutritious meals while maintaining high standards of hospitality. The position requires extensive experience in a similar role, excellent culinary skills, and the ability to mentor staff. The Chef will work 40 hours a week, with a pay rate of £16.20 per hour. Aria Care offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Blue Light Discount Card

Holiday & days out discounts

Long service awards

Recognition programme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in healthcare or hospitality.
• Strong understanding of nutritional requirements.
• Ability to lead and mentor a kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of chefs ensuring high-quality service.
• Menu planning and food preparation.
• Manage kitchen operations understanding dietary needs.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Nutritional knowledge

Mentoring

Education

Relevant culinary qualification

Job description

Overview

The Head Chef at Aria Healthcare's Tall Trees nursing and dementia home in Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, leads and mentors a team to create fresh, nutritious meals for residents using high-quality ingredients, while delivering high-level hospitality in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of chefs; ensure best practices and high-quality service.
• Menu planning, food preparation, and presentation.
• Manage the kitchen operations with a strong understanding of dietary requirements and diverse resident needs.
• Working hours: 40 hours per week with alternate weekends.

About the Home

• Tall Trees, Burford Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, OX7 6DB
• 61 bedded nursing and dementia home
• CQC Rating: Good
• Rated 8.5 on Carehome.co.uk

About the Role

• Position: Head Chef
• Hours: 40 per week (Alternate weekends)
• Pay: £16.20 per hour

What Aria Care Offers You

• Blue Light Discount Card
• Holiday & days out discounts
• Long service awards
• Recognition programme
• And much more!

We are looking for a highly skilled Head Chef to create fresh nutritious meals for our residents using the best ingredients. You should be a passionate chef who leads by example, mentors your team, and demonstrates creative hospitality. The role involves straight shifts with no evenings, a fully supported induction on healthcare skills, and opportunities to mentor teams in our Chef academy.

We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer and value learning from colleagues’ cultures, beliefs, and experiences. If you are empathetic, respectful, and have a growth mindset, Aria Care is the perfect place for you. We would love to hear from you!

Person Specification

Qualifications – Essential

• The ideal candidate will have extensive experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a healthcare or hospitality setting.
• Excellent culinary skills and a strong understanding of nutritional requirements.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team.
• A relevant culinary qualification or training in healthcare catering would be an advantage.

Other Details

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) required: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a DBS check will be required.
• Employer: Aria Care / Aria Healthcare, Chipping Norton, OX7 6DB

Date posted: 08 September 2025