Head Chef

Blendworth Hills; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medicash Health Plan

Life Assurance at 4x annual salary

33 Days Annual Leave (pro-rated)

Job summary

Inspired Villages is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and deliver exceptional dining experiences for residents and guests. You will own menu creation, food preparation, and service delivery, collaborating with village management to uphold brand standards.

You will drive seasonal menus, manage costs, mentor the team, and ensure HACCP, food safety laws, and documentation are maintained. A proactive, customer-focused leader will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume environment.
• Qualified in Food Hygiene (minimum Level 3).
• Strong numeracy and literacy with excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end food service across meals and events.
• Lead daily kitchen operations and ensure high standards of quality and presentation.
• Develop seasonal, nutritious menus accommodating dietary needs.
• Manage stock, orders, suppliers, and inventory control.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Creativity

Attention to detail

Team management

Education

Food Hygiene Level 3

Job description

We're looking for a creative and experienced

Head Chef

to join us at Inspired Villages and lead the kitchen team, delivering exceptional dining experiences. We're driven by a clear purpose: to build real communities that enhance the lives of our residents every single day. If you're seeking a career that means more and gives you more, there's a place for you at Inspired Villages.As Head Chef, you'll take ownership of all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu creation and food preparation to team management and service delivery. You'll work closely with the Village Manager, operations team, and wider business to ensure every meal delights residents and guests while upholding the Inspired Villages brand and standards.At Inspired Villages, we create vibrant retirement communities where people can live independently, stay connected, and enjoy life to the fullest. By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to inspire culinary excellence, lead a high-performing team, and make a lasting impact on the resident experience.

The Role

• Managing the end-to-end delivery of the food service across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special events, ensuring a consistently exceptional dining experience for residents and guests.
• Leading the kitchen operation on a day-to-day basis, ensuring food is prepared, cooked, and presented to the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Creating, developing, and regularly reviewing seasonal, nutritious, and appealing menus that reflect resident preferences while catering for dietary requirements, allergens, and specialist nutritional needs.
• Taking ownership of stock management, food ordering, supplier relationships, and inventory control to minimise waste, maximise efficiency, and achieve budget targets.
• Managing food costs, labour costs, and kitchen performance, ensuring financial targets are met without compromising quality or service.
• Supporting, coaching, and developing the kitchen team through effective training, mentoring, and performance management, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Planning kitchen rotas and allocating resources effectively to ensure appropriate staffing levels across all services.
• Maintaining exceptional food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards, ensuring full compliance with HACCP, Food Safety legislation, and company policies at all times.
• Conducting regular kitchen audits and ensuring all documentation, temperature records, cleaning schedules, and compliance records are accurately maintained.
• Working closely with the Village General Manager and wider village teams to support resident events, celebrations, hospitality functions, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Building positive relationships with residents, taking time to understand their preferences and feedback to continually enhance the dining experience.
• Driving innovation within the kitchen by introducing new dishes, seasonal specials, and creative menu ideas that keep the restaurant offering fresh and engaging.
• Managing kitchen equipment and maintenance requirements, reporting issues promptly and ensuring the kitchen remains fully operational.
• Leading by example, fostering a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement across the kitchen operation.
• Delivering an outstanding customer experience by ensuring every meal reflects Inspired Villages' commitment to quality, hospitality, and creating memorable moments for residents and their guests.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager in a busy, high-volume environment
• Qualified in Food Hygiene (minimum Level 3 in Food Safety or equivalent)
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills, with excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, thriving in a fast-paced environment
• Creativity and passion for food design, preparation, nutrition, and presentation

The Benefits

• Medicash Health Cash PlanLife Assurance at 4x Your Annual Salary
• 33 Days Annual Leave, Inclusive of Bank Holidays (Pro-Rated to Contracted Hours)
• Holiday Buying Scheme – Purchase Up To 5 Additional Days
• Big Birthdays Off for Milestone Birthdays Ending in a 05%
• Matched Contribution Pension Scheme
• Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Retail Discounts Across a Variety of Outlets and Access to SMART Tech
• Ongoing Opportunities to Grow Your Skills and Career
• Access to a Wellbeing Hub, Including Discounts on Wellbeing Interventions
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Car Scheme

At Inspired Villages, we invite everyone, regardless of background, to join our thriving community. Here, you'll be included, involved, and inspired to contribute your unique talents. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging, where uniqueness is celebrated and you're inspired to be your best, every day.More enjoyment. More satisfaction. More like one big family. If you're looking for a career that means more and gives you more,