Head Chef

Crystal Care Collection Limited; Epping Forest; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction training

Paid breaks

Uniform provided

Blue Light Card

Enhanced DBS check

Job summary

Crystal Care Collection is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen in delivering nutritious, well-presented meals for residents in our care homes. You will manage the kitchen team, plan menus, control budgets and ensure full compliance with food hygiene legislation.

You'll work 7:00am - 6:00pm on a rolling three-shift pattern across a 38.5 hour week, with induction training and benefits including paid breaks, uniform, Blue Light Card and enhanced DBS support.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef or Senior Chef experience, preferably in care, hospitality or healthcare.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Knowledge of nutrition and modified diets for older people.
• Excellent organisational and budget management abilities.
• Maintains high standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals catering to residents' dietary needs.
• Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team and foster a collaborative environment.
• Manage kitchen operations, budgets and food ordering while controlling costs.
• Ensure HACCP, Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH compliance at all times.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and hygiene standards across the kitchen.
• Oversee stock control, storage and supplier ordering.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Budget management

HACCP compliance

Food safety

Dietary knowledge

Team development

Job description

Are you an experienced Chef looking for a rewarding opportunity where your passion for food can genuinely improve people's lives? At Crystal Care Collection, we believe that great food is at the heart of great care. Our homes are designed to provide residents with a luxury living experience, and exceptional dining plays a vital role in making every day enjoyable. We're looking for a talented and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, delivering delicious, nutritious meals while creating a warm and welcoming dining experience for our residents.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you'll take overall responsibility for the smooth running of the kitchen, leading and developing your team while ensuring every meal is prepared to the highest standards of quality, nutrition and presentation. You'll work closely with residents, relatives and colleagues to create varied menus that reflect individual tastes, preferences and dietary requirements, helping to make every mealtime something to look forward to. Alongside managing the catering budget and stock control, you'll ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and in full compliance with food hygiene legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals that cater to residents' preferences, cultural requirements and special dietary needs.
• Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Manage kitchen operations, budgets and food ordering to ensure excellent quality while controlling costs.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and Environmental Health regulations at all times.
• Implement and monitor cleaning schedules, maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen.
• Oversee stock control and rotation, ensuring ingredients are fresh, stored correctly and ordered from approved suppliers.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained in safe working order and report any repairs promptly.
• Support the recruitment, induction and ongoing development of catering team members alongside the General Manager.
• Regularly engage with residents and relatives to gather feedback and continuously improve the dining experience.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to the overall success of the home.

If you're a creative and dedicated chef who takes pride in producing exceptional food while leading a successful kitchen team, we'd love to hear from you. Your cooking won't just nourish our residents - it will enhance their wellbeing, bring people together and help make our home a truly special place to live.

Qualifications & Experience

• Has previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef, ideally within care, hospitality or healthcare.
• Is passionate about creating high-quality meals that make a positive difference.
• Has strong leadership and people management skills.
• Understands nutritional requirements and modified diets for older people.
• Has excellent organisational and budget management abilities.
• Maintains exceptionally high standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
• Is approachable, flexible and committed to delivering outstanding service.

Working Hours

• 7:00am - 6:00pm
• Permanent rolling rota of three consecutive shifts on followed by three consecutive shifts off
• Average 38.5 hours per week

Pay

£22.88

Benefits

• Full induction training programme
• Paid breaks
• Fully funded uniform
• Fully funded Blue Light Card
• Fully funded Enhanced DBS check