Head Chef

Westgate Healthcare; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in East London seeks a passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Chestnut Manor Care Home. In this role, you will manage kitchen operations, ensuring nutritious meals are tailored to residents. The ideal candidate has previous chef experience, strong leadership skills, and a Food Safety Certificate. The position offers competitive hours and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our elderly residents through high-quality meal delivery.

Benefits

Wagestream – access to wages before payday

Blue Light Card discounts

Employee recognition programmes

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Chef in a similar setting.
• Understanding of Health & Safety and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the kitchen team.
• Prepare high-quality meals tailored to residents' dietary needs.
• Plan and deliver seasonal menus.

Skills

Leadership skills

Flexibility

Knowledge of nutritional needs

Education

Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate Level 2

Job description

Head Chef – Wanstead, East London

Location: Chestnut Manor Care Home, 63 Cambridge Park, Wanstead, London, E11 2PR

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum. Dependent on experience and qualifications

Hours: 40 hours per week

Shifts: 7:00am to 5:30pm, shifts across Monday to Sunday, working 4 days over 7

Job type: Permanent

Come and make a difference with the team at Westgate Healthcare! #CareWithUsAtWestgate

We are seeking a passionate and compassionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Chestnut Manor Care Home in Wanstead. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced chef who wants to use their skills to positively impact the lives of our elderly residents.

At Westgate Healthcare, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for someone with a can-do attitude who will treat residents with dignity, care and respect while delivering nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to individual needs.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen, ensuring residents receive meals that are both enjoyable and nutritionally balanced.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing, leading and developing the kitchen team
• Preparing high-quality hot and cold meals in line with residents’ dietary needs and preferences
• Planning and delivering seasonal menus in collaboration with the Catering and Hospitality Manager
• Managing budgets, stock control and supplier orders
• Completing regular audits and maintaining accurate records
• Ensuring the kitchen and storage areas are kept clean, safe and hygienic at all times
• Ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety and regulatory requirements
• Carrying out daily kitchen checks, including temperature records and equipment monitoring
• Reporting accidents and incidents in line with company procedures
• Maintaining a full working knowledge of fire safety procedures and infection prevention and control policies
• Carrying out any reasonable duties as requested by the Catering and Hospitality Manager or Home Manager

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• The right to live and work in the UK
• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Chef in a similar setting (e.g. care home, school or healthcare environment)
• Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate Level 2 (or above)
• A good understanding of the nutritional needs of older people
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and relevant regulatory requirements
• A positive, flexible and professional approach to work
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team

Why work at Westgate?

We value our colleagues and offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Wagestream – access your wages before payday and enjoy exclusive retail discounts
• Blue Light Card – access to national discounts
• Additional discount schemes including Byond Prepayment Card, Extras Discounts and Cycle to Work Scheme
• Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to £500 for a successful referral
• Employee recognition programmes, including Employee of the Month and Long Service awards
• Team-building and social events
• Support to achieve additional qualifications, including nationally recognised awards
• Access to financial and wellbeing support through The Care Workers Charity
• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Due to the high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Westgate Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.