Head Chef

Aurem Care; Colchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Free DBS check

Free on-site parking

Company pension scheme

Wagestream – access earned wages

Employee Assistance Programme

Hippo e-learning platform training

Fully funded apprenticeship programs

Annual salary review

Job summary

Aurem Care is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen in a care home setting in the United Kingdom. You will coordinate kitchen operations, oversee menus, hygiene, staffing, and waste management, while ensuring HACCP compliance and quality meals for residents.

You will recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff, manage budgets and stock, and plan nutritionally balanced menus that meet dietary needs and preferences. Strong organisational and leadership skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Head Chef experience in care/home setting.
• Experience managing and motivating a team.
• Strong understanding of balanced menu planning.
• Ability to cater for dietary requirements and specialist diets.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Genuine commitment to enhancing residents' wellbeing and dining experience.
• Right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate kitchen operations to meet standards and deadlines.
• Oversee menus, hygiene, health and safety, staffing, cleaning, and waste management.
• Recruit, supervise, train, and develop kitchen staff.
• Manage catering consumables and food ordering.
• Maintain HACCP documentation and audits.
• Prepare nutritionally balanced menus within budget.
• Consult with residents on dietary needs and preferences.
• Prepare specialist diets as directed by nursing staff.
• Create and manage four-weekly staff rotas.
• Work within budget guidelines.
• Plan and cost menus for special functions and events.
• Support residents and Home Manager.
• Attend meetings with residents and relatives.
• Conduct staff supervision and development reviews.
• Undertake additional duties to support service delivery.

Skills

Head Chef

Team management

Menu planning

Dietary requirements

Communication

Organisation

Independence

Team collaboration

Resident wellbeing

Tools

Hippo e-learning

Job description

Job 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.

Do you have a passion for cooking and experience managing a kitchen team?

Would you enjoy working closely with residents in a care home to provide nutritious, high-quality meals?, We are seeking an experienced and dedicated,

Previous Experience & Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Head Chef (Working in a similar environment 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.

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.

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.

Contract & Working Conditions

• Full-time, permanent contract
• 40 hours per week, including weekend working
• £15.16 per hour ( Equivalent to £31,532 per annum)
• 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