Head Chef

Colten Care; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Free meals on duty

Flexible overtime

Job summary

Colten Care is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the Castle View kitchen in Dorchester, Dorset. The role offers a From £43,675 salary plus paid overtime and a 4 on/4 off rota, with average 42 hours per week.

You will manage the kitchen and waiting teams, creating fresh, home-cooked meals from local ingredients, and shape the dining experience for residents through engaging menus and special events. We value creativity, leadership and high standards, with training and progression

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery desirable with relevant experience.
• Experience leading a kitchen and managing a team.
• Proven ability to create high-quality, home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support both kitchen and waiting teams to high standards.
• Create menus and ensure fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Engage with residents to understand preferences and tailor dining experiences.

Skills

Team leadership

Catering experience

Menu planning

Education

City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis Chef

Job description

Head Chef

From £43,675 + paid overtime

4 days on / 4 days off | 6:30am - 6:30pm | Average 42 hours per week

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen at Castle View in Dorchester, Dorset. This is a unique opportunity to combine your culinary skills, creating meals that bring comfort, enjoyment and fine dining to our residents every day.

Working in a modern kitchen equipped with high end appliances, you’ll take pride in preparing fresh, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. With nutritious daily menus including freshly baked cakes, your food will play a key role in enhancing residents’ wellbeing. You’ll also take the lead in shaping the dining experience, engaging with residents to understand their preferences and bringing your ideas to life at special events within the home.

As the head of the kitchen, you’ll lead and support both the kitchen and waiting teams, setting high standards and creating a positive, collaborative environment.

Why this role stands out

• 4 on / 4 off rota posted 4 weeks in advance with shifts finishing at 6:30pm

• Fully staffed kitchen with Kitchen Assistants, Kitchen Domestics and Waiting team

• Paid breaks and overtime opportunities

• Modern kitchen with quality equipment and fresh ingredients

• Overtime opportunities available

About you

You’re a skilled and motivated chef who takes pride in delivering high-quality food and creating a positive dining experience. You enjoy leading a team, building relationships, and bringing energy and creativity into the kitchen.

A City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis Chef is desirable along with experience in a similar role.

About Colten Care

We’re an award-winning, family-owned care home group with an outstanding reputation. All 21 of our homes are rated Good by the CQC, with 7 rated Outstanding. Our success is built on our people and our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do.

Additional benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from excellent training and support, a contributory pension scheme, free meals on duty, and flexible overtime to suit your lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a Head Chef role where you can lead with creativity, make a meaningful impact, and still enjoy your time outside of work, we’d love to hear from you.