Head Chef

Caring Homes; Great Cornard; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Caring Homes Group is seeking a Head Chef at Mellish House, Sudbury, offering £15.45 per hour. You will lead and develop the kitchen team, plan seasonal menus using local produce, and ensure exceptional dining experiences for residents.

The role emphasizes creativity in baking, fine dining plating, and strong communication with residents and staff. A culinary degree or equivalent experience is preferred to deliver high-quality meals daily on site.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and ability to motivate a kitchen team.
• Strong communication skills for cross-team collaboration.
• Creative flair for designing menus and developing recipes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop the kitchen team to deliver high-quality meals.
• Plan and deliver engaging afternoon tea services weekly and a monthly Chef’s Table.
• Design seasonal menus tailored to residents' preferences and dietary needs.
• Demonstrate creativity in baking and cake decoration.
• Plate and present dishes to fine dining standards.
• Engage with residents during service in a professional manner.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with wider teams for events and dietary requirements.
• Incorporate resident feedback to continuously enhance dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Menu planning

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Head Chef - Mellish House, Sudbury - £15.45 per hour

• Lead, support, and develop the kitchen team to consistently deliver high-quality, nutritious meals while creating a warm and positive dining experience
• Plan and deliver engaging afternoon tea services weekly and a monthly Chef’s Table, creating memorable moments that residents genuinely look forward to
• Design and adapt seasonal menus tailored to residents’ preferences and dietary needs, using fresh, locally sourced produce and showcasing key ingredients
• Demonstrate creativity and attention to detail in baking and cake decoration
• Confidently plate and present dishes to a refined, fine dining standard
• Engage with residents during service in a professional, friendly, and personable manner
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance at all times
• Collaborate closely with wider teams to support events, celebrations, and individual dietary requirements
• Actively listen to feedback from residents and their families, using insights to continuously enhance and personalise the dining experience

• A culinary degree or equivalent experience in a professional kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• A creative flair for menu planning and recipe development.

If you're ready to bring your culinary skills to a place where they truly matter, join us at Caring Homes and become part of our culinary family.