Head Chef

Hartford Care; Hythe; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford Care in Hythe, Hampshire is seeking a Head Chef to run the kitchen at West Cliff Hall Care Home. You will lead the kitchen team, prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals for residents and ensure high food hygiene standards in a caring environment.

You’ll discuss menus with residents, supervise staff, and contribute to a warm, supportive dining experience that reflects the company’s values.

Qualifications

• Essential: compassionate and caring nature.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to use IT systems.
• Strong management and leadership skills.
• Ability to prepare, cook and present a variety of appetising and nutritious home-made meals.
• Understanding of different diets and dietary requirements.
• Flexible approach to working hours.

Responsibilities

• Run and manage the kitchen service and team members.
• Provide home-cooked, nutritious meals for residents while maintaining food hygiene.
• Work with the team to create a happy and caring atmosphere.
• Discuss menus with residents and participate in activities related to dining.
• Supervise kitchen staff and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

IT systems

Menu planning

Food preparation

Job description

Employment Type: Full-time / 40 hours per week

Location: West Cliff Hall Care Home. West Street, Hythe, Hampshire, SO45 6AA

Salary: £35,000

The Role

As a Head Chef, you will effectively run and manage the kitchen service and team members, provide home-cooked, nutritious and appetising meals and snacks for residents while ensuring good food hygiene is maintained at all times and regulations, and working together as a team to create a happy and caring atmosphere.

Whether you are preparing and cooking a three course meal, discussing with residents what they would like to see on next week’s menu, doing a bread making activity session with residents, or carrying out a supervision with one of the kitchen team members, you will do so with care at the heart of everything you do.

• Do you want to make a difference to someone's life and feel a sense of purpose in an extremely rewarding role?
• Are you an experienced Head Chef who is energetic and passionate about providing exceptional food?
• Do you enjoy producing delicious, home-cooked foods that look and taste good?
• Do you have effective leadership, delegation and prioritising skills and experience of leading a kitchen?
• Are you caring, warm and understanding?
• Are you spontaneous, patient, flexible and have a good sense of humour?
• Do you strongly believe in the values of Creating Communities, Caring for Each Other and Celebrating Individuality?

If your answer is yes to all these questions, why not join our Hartford Care family?

Requirements

Essential:

• A compassionate and caring nature
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Excellent communication skills and ability to use IT systems
• Strong management and leadership skills
• Strong organisation and planning skills
• Ability to prepare, cook and present a variety of appetising and nutritious home-made meals
• An understanding of different diets and ability to cater for individuals with different dietary requirements
• A good understanding of ‘what good looks like’ in terms of the dining and food experience
• Able to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
• A flexible approach to working hours

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.