Head Chef

Recruit Genie; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time hours

Life insurance

Free DBS check

Free on-site parking

Company pension scheme

Wagestream access

Employee Assistance Programme

Training opportunities

Job summary

Aurem Care is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team in one of our care homes in the UK. You will coordinate all kitchen operations, ensure meals meet high standards, are delivered on time, and tailored to residents' dietary needs.

You will recruit and supervise staff, manage menus and budgets, uphold hygiene and HACCP documentation, conduct monthly audits, and collaborate with nursing staff to plan specialist diets and resident dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef experience in a similar care/home environment is preferred.
• Experience in leading and motivating a kitchen team.
• Strong ability to plan balanced, nutritious menus.

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.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Team leadership

Menu planning

Dietary accommodation

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Independent worker

Resident wellbeing focus

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a positive impact in your local community?

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?

If so, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team within our care home.

You will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the kitchen operation, ensuring meals are prepared to the highest standards, delivered on time, and tailored to meet the needs of our residents.

Key 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.

What We're Looking For

Essential 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.

What We Offer

• 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

Important Note

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.

Why Join Aurem Care?

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.

Our values guide everything we do:

Diversity Integrity Fun Commitment Connection