Head Chef

Active Pathways; Clayton Brook; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care provider in Clayton Brook is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and ensure high-quality meal delivery. The ideal candidate will have experience in a senior kitchen role, strong leadership skills, and a passion for person-centred care. This role includes overseeing kitchen operations, managing food hygiene and safety, and co-producing menus with residents. The position offers a supportive environment focused on recovery and inclusion.

Benefits

Extra paid day off for your birthday

Annual leave increases with service

Refer a Friend scheme

Health Cash Plan

Workplace pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior kitchen role, ideally within a fresh food or traditional British cuisine setting.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, support, and motivate a team.
• A solid understanding of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance standards.
• Confidence in managing budgets, rotas, and stock levels efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to deliver high-quality meals that support wellbeing and recovery.
• Oversee kitchen operations including stock control, food safety, hygiene, and budget management.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring clear communication and consistent standards.
• Co-produce seasonal menus with residents, reflecting their preferences, cultural backgrounds, and dietary needs.

Skills

Leadership skills

Culinary expertise

Food safety knowledge

Budget management

Team management

Job description

As Head Chef at Brookhaven, you'll play a vital role in shaping the daily experience of our residents through food that nourishes both body and mind by delivering meals that are nutritious, well‑balanced and taste great. Your leadership will ensure the kitchen runs smoothly, safely, and creatively‑making mealtimes a meaningful part of life at Brookhaven & The Hamptons.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to deliver high‑quality meals that support wellbeing and recovery
• Oversee kitchen operations including stock control, food safety, hygiene, and budget management
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring clear communication and consistent standards
• Co‑produce seasonal menus with residents, reflecting their preferences, cultural backgrounds, and dietary needs
• Manage food orders, deliveries, and storage in line with health and safety regulations
• Support inspections, maintain accurate records and drive continuous improvement
• Organise catering for special events and therapeutic activities within the service
• Represent the kitchen department in governance meetings and contribute to service‑wide initiatives

We're looking for someone who brings both culinary expertise and a genuine passion for person‑centred care. You'll be confident in leading a kitchen team and comfortable working in a dynamic, values‑led environment where food plays a key role in supporting mental health recovery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior kitchen role, ideally within a fresh food or traditional British cuisine setting
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, support, and motivate a team
• A solid understanding of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance standards
• Confidence in managing budgets, rotas, and stock levels efficiently
• A person‑centred approach and willingness to engage residents in menu planning
• Experience with baking and desserts is a welcome bonus
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and service improvement

Active Pathways Ltd has been delivering exceptional care in Lancashire and Yorkshire for over 20 years. As a provider of Mental Health, Learning Disability, and Rehabilitation services for adults aged 18+, we are committed to creating innovative, creative, and inspiring environments for recovery‑focused care. Our people‑first culture and values of Passion, Safety, and Quality ensure that we make a difference every day.

Active Pathways Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and empower each individual and support diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We welcome applications from diverse candidates and provide support during our recruitment processes to enable all applicants to perform at their best.

Schedule

Shifts: 2 week rolling rota, including one management day per week and every other weekend off.

Benefits

• Extra paid day off every year for your birthday
• Annual leave starts at the statutory minimum, with extra days rewarded at 2 and 5 years' service
• Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £500 per referral
• Health Cash Plan – covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
• Opportunities to lead menu planning and contribute to service development
• Be part of a values‑led organisation focused on recovery, inclusion, and person‑centred care
• Workplace pension scheme