Head Chef

SeeMeHired; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wages on demand

Blue Light Discounts

Refer a Friend £500

Employee recognition programs

Team-building events

Qualifications support

Care Workers Charity support

Induction and training

Job summary

Westgate Healthcare is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the Chestnut Manor Care Home kitchen in Wanstead, London. You will take ownership of daily operations, create menus, manage the team and ensure high-quality, nutritious meals for residents.

You will oversee food safety, budgets, ordering and audits while building strong relationships with residents and staff. The role is hands-on and resident-focused.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or senior chef in care home or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen requirements.
• Experience with menu planning, stock control and ordering.
• Ability to cater for different dietary requirements and preferences.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Hands-on approach and willingness to get involved.
• Great communication skills and ability to build relationships with residents, colleagues and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the kitchen team.
• Prepare high-quality hot and cold meals meeting dietary needs and preferences.
• Create and deliver varied, seasonal menus in collaboration with the Catering and Hospitality Manager.
• Manage kitchen budgets, stock levels and supplier orders.
• Complete audits and maintain kitchen records.
• Conduct daily kitchen checks, monitor temperatures and equipment.

Education

Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2

Job description

As Head Chef, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen while leading and supporting your team to deliver a consistently high standard of food and service. You'll be responsible for:

• Leading, managing and developing the kitchen team
• Preparing high-quality hot and cold meals that meet residents' dietary requirements, preferences and individual needs
• Creating and delivering varied, seasonal menus in collaboration with the Catering and Hospitality Manager
• Bringing new ideas and creativity to mealtimes
• Managing kitchen budgets, stock levels and supplier orders
• Completing regular audits and maintaining accurate kitchen records
• Carrying out daily kitchen checks, including temperature monitoring and equipment checks
• Making sure the kitchen, food preparation and storage areas are clean, safe and hygienic
• Ensuring the kitchen operates in line with Food Safety, Health & Safety and regulatory requirements
• Following and maintaining fire safety and infection prevention and control procedures
• Reporting accidents and incidents in line with company procedures
• Working closely with the wider care team to understand residents' needs and preferences
• Carrying out any reasonable duties requested by the Catering and Hospitality Manager or Home Manager

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or senior chef in a care home setting
• Experience leading and developing a kitchen team
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen requirements
• Experience with menu planning, stock control and ordering
• The ability to cater for different dietary requirements and preferences
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills
• A hands-on approach and willingness to get stuck in
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Great communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with residents, colleagues and suppliers
• A genuine interest in creating enjoyable and meaningful mealtimes for older people
• The right to live and work in the UK
• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Chef in a similar setting (e.g. care home, school or healthcare environment)
• Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate Level 2 (or above)
• A good understanding of the nutritional needs of older people
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and relevant regulatory requirements
• A positive, flexible and professional approach to work
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team

Experience within a care home or similar environment would be an advantage, but we're also interested in chefs from other settings who can bring their skills, creativity and passion to our home.

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to take the lead at Chestnut Manor Care Home in Wanstead, London.

This is more than a kitchen management role. You'll lead your team, bring creativity to the menu, and make sure our residents enjoy delicious, nutritious food that reflects their individual tastes, needs and preferences.

At Westgate Healthcare, we want our people to feel valued, supported and part of something that matters. As part of our team, you'll have access to:

• Stream - access your wages before payday and enjoy exclusive retail discounts
• Blue Light Card - access to a wide range of national discounts
• Byond Prepayment Card, Extras Discounts and Cycle to Work Scheme
• Refer a Friend Scheme - earn up to £500 for a successful referral
• Employee recognition programmes, including Employee of the Month and Long Service awards
• Team-building activities and social events
• Support to achieve additional and nationally recognised qualifications
• Financial and wellbeing support through The Care Workers Charity
• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and professional development

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to use your experience and creativity to make a real difference to the people who live in our homes.