Head Chef

The Cinnamon Care Collection; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Breaks

Uniforms

Staff Meals

Nest Pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle Scheme

Eye Care

Refer a Friend Scheme

Reward Vouchers

Quarterly & Annual Company Recognition

Job summary

The Cinnamon Care Collection is seeking a Head Chef for Merriman Grange in Worthing. You will lead a state-of-the-art kitchen, heading up a great team and delivering high-end meals aligned with resident needs.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, managing suppliers, ensuring food safety, and contributing to menu planning with a focus on quality and local sourcing.

Qualifications

• Level 3 in Catering or equivalent QCF qualification is required.
• Experience in supervising a kitchen team and managing staff.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations in a professional kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage a full kitchen team including a second chef and kitchen assistants.
• Monitor suppliers, control costs, and ensure stock is efficiently managed.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety in line with regulations.
• Contribute to menu planning to suit resident preferences and dietary needs.
• Support the General Manager in addressing catering-related issues and events.

Education

Level 3 in Catering or equivalent QCF qualification

Job description

Head Chef

Up to £45,000 per annum depending on experience, plus company benefits

Full Time Hours

A Top 20 Care Home Group 2026!

Awarded 'One of The UK's Best Companies to Work For'

Please note, we cannot offer sponsorship for this position.

Merriman Grange is a luxurious residential and dementia care home based in Worthing offering state-of-the-art facilities, which include 72 large ensuite bedrooms and 5 luxury care suites. The home also features luxurious lounges and dining rooms, an on-site café bar, a cinema and a professional hair and beauty salon.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team at our stunning home, working in a state of the art kitchen heading up a great team and working sociable hours!

Our team member benefits include:

• Paid Breaks
• Uniforms
• Staff Meals
• Nest Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Care Workers Charity'Spice of Life' - Discount Retail Scheme
• Cycle Scheme
• Eye Care
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Reward Vouchers
• Quarterly & Annual Company Recognition Awards

At Cinnamon we like to understand what our residents enjoy. That's why our chefs visit all residents when they move into their new home. Our chefs will establish likes and dislikes and ensure that the home's menu cycle works for them. On occasions when this doesn't work they are happy to cook something different. Our chefs cater for modified and individual diets and have support at hand to seek advice and guidance if needed.

The standard of food that we require will be high-end, beautifully presented, using fresh ingredients and locally sourced where available. We insist that every meal time is a truly enjoyable experience for our residents.

Overseeing and managing a full kitchen team including a second chef and kitchen assistants, you will ensure that all kitchen services are efficient, and that the required Health and Safety measures are in place and adhered to within the department.

Additional requirements of this role include:

• Monitoring the performance of suppliers and regularly check that their prices remain competitive, ensuring that the General Manager is kept informed accordingly.
• Support cost-effective stock control systems and ensure these are in place to minimise waste.
• Maintain a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen and food storage areas at all times, in accordance with the appropriate food hygiene regulations.
• Ensure the management and implementation of safe working procedures and practices in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.
• Assist the General Manager in the resolution of any complaints concerning the catering service.
• Actively participate in events held in home, liaising with the General Manager and Activities Coordinator to ensure nutrition and hydration needs are met, as well as social aspects of such events.

Person Specification:

This role involves working within a team which is committed to providing an excellent food service to the residents, having appropriate supervisory experience and relevant qualifications pertaining to the safe delivery of Food and Hygiene or Catering Services.

Key Attributes:

• Level 3 in Catering or equivalent QCF qualification
• Working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
• Team player, self -motivated, proactive, flexible and adaptable
• Ability to organize and prioritise workload, and work under pressure
• Ability to communicate and manage interpersonal relationships, including influencing skills
• Reasonable access outside working hours in emergency situations