Head Chef

Nurse Seekers Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals

Pension scheme

Induction and ongoing training

Career development

Modern kitchen facilities

Job summary

Nurse Seekers Ltd is seeking a Head Chef to lead the catering team in a nursing home in Chislehurst, Kent. You will oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality, nutritious meals for residents and maintaining excellent hygiene standards.

The role offers a 4-on, 4-off shift pattern with no late finishes, providing a supportive working environment and opportunities for development. Competitive hourly rate and full-time contract offered.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Passion for fresh, nutritious meals.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional and presentation standards.
• Create varied, dietary‑specific menus.
• Maintain high food hygiene and safety standards.
• Manage stock, ordering and waste; support residents and team.

Skills

Head Chef

Leadership

People management

Menu planning

Food hygiene

Job description

Lead the Kitchen. Make a Difference Every Day.

Are you an experienced Head Chef looking for a rewarding role where you can showcase your culinary skills while enjoying an excellent work-life balance?

Our client is seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the catering team within their beautiful Nursing Home in Chislehurst, Kent.

This welcoming home provides outstanding person-centred nursing and dementia care for 35 residents, with a strong focus on dignity, compassion and enhancing quality of life. Food plays a vital role in residents' wellbeing, and you'll have the opportunity to create nutritious, home-cooked meals that residents genuinely look forward to every day.

A Head Chef role with no late evenings and a fantastic 4-on, 4-off shift pattern is a rare opportunity.

The Role

As Head Chef, you'll take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring residents receive delicious, freshly prepared meals that meet the highest nutritional and presentation standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and serving high-quality, home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients
• Creating varied and nutritious menus that cater for individual dietary requirements and preferences
• Ensuring exceptional food preparation, presentation and portion control
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, Health & Safety and infection control
• Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen teamManaging stock, food ordering and reducing waste
• Building positive relationships with residents, relatives and colleagues
• Ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently while delivering an outstanding dining experience every day

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• A passion for preparing fresh, nutritious meals
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A good understanding of food hygiene regulations and Health & Safety legislation
• A genuine desire to make a positive difference to the lives of older people

Previous experience within a care home, healthcare or hospitality setting would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on Offer?

• £18.10 per hour
• Full-time, permanent contract
• Fantastic 4-on, 4-off shift pattern
• No late-night finishes
• Complimentary meals, hot drinks and snacks during your shift
• Bespoke induction and ongoing training programmes
• Excellent opportunities for career development
• Modern kitchen equipment and facilities
• Custom-made uniforms provided
• Company contributory pension scheme
• A supportive management team and welcoming working environment
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to residents' lives every single day

Why Join This Provider?

This is more than a Head Chef position—it's an opportunity to become an important part of a close-knit care team where your skills will have a direct impact on residents' health, wellbeing and happiness.

You'll work for a provider that genuinely values its employees, invests in their development, and recognises the important role that great food plays in delivering exceptional care.

If you're looking for a rewarding leadership role with excellent hours, a supportive team and the chance to make every meal special, we'd love to hear from you.