Head Chef

Hartford Care Ltd; Hythe; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford Care Ltd is seeking a Head Chef at West Cliff Hall Care Home in Hythe, Hampshire. The role involves running the kitchen, leading the team, and delivering home-cooked, nutritious meals for residents while upholding strict food hygiene standards.

You will engage residents in menu planning and kitchen activities, demonstrate leadership, and ensure a warm, caring dining experience within the home.

Qualifications

• Experience as head chef or senior kitchen leadership desirable.
• Ability to plan and manage kitchen operations.
• Strong communication and IT system usage skills.
• Proven ability to prepare nutritious, home-made meals for residents.
• Understanding of dietary requirements and special menus.

Responsibilities

• Run and manage the kitchen service and team members.
• Provide home-cooked, nutritious and appetising meals and snacks.
• Maintain high food hygiene and comply with regulations.
• Collaborate with residents to plan future menus and activities.

Skills

Compassionate nature

Excellent communication

IT systems proficiency

Leadership and management

Organisation and planning

Meal preparation and presentation

Dietary accommodation

Dining experience standards

Independent and teamwork

Flexible hours

Tools

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

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 ofCreating 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.