Head Chef

Vivant Care; Kingswear; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A care organization in Kingswear seeks a Head Chef to lead kitchen operations and ensure exceptional food service. As a Chef Manager, you will design menus, manage budgets, and oversee compliance while leading a passionate kitchen team. The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary skills, leadership abilities, and a commitment to quality. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health support and career development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30, plus bank holidays)

Occupational sick pay

Pension matched up to 7%

Health and wellbeing support

Company-paid life insurance

Parental leave arrangements

Company-funded training

Flexible working options

Exclusive retail discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a qualified chef, catering for large numbers in high-pressure, high-end settings.
• Strong ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workloads.
• Experience managing and developing kitchen teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage food service operations, ensuring quality, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• Design seasonal menus that meet dietary needs and budget requirements.
• Control kitchen budgets, stock and purchasing to minimise waste.

Skills

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Proven experience as a qualified chef

Strong ability to work to deadlines

Experience managing and developing kitchen teams

Knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems

Skilled in setting and managing budgets

Experience using online stock purchasing systems

Job description

Head Chef

Bayards Court, Dartmouth

£49,868.52 per annum

39 hours per week

Where flavour creates unforgettable moments

At Vivant Care, dining is more than a meal – it’s an experience that brings comfort, joy and connection. As our Chef Manager, you’ll set the standard for exceptional food and hospitality, crafting menus that delight and nourish every day.

This role isn’t just about cooking – it’s about leading a team, shaping a warm dining culture, and ensuring every plate reflects the quality and care that define us. You’ll thrive here if you’re passionate about food, confident in managing a kitchen team, and committed to delivering service that’s always a cut above.

Your role

• Manage food service operations, ensuring quality, hygiene and regulatory compliance
• Design seasonal menus that meet dietary needs and budget requirements
• Oversee special diets and allergen compliance, maintaining high presentation standards
• Control kitchen budgets, stock and purchasing to minimise waste and maintain quality
• Lead food safety management and ensure staff training and compliance
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen staff to deliver exceptional standards
• Engage with residents to understand preferences and gather feedback for improvement

Your skills

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
• Proven experience as a qualified chef, catering for large numbers in high-pressure, high-end settings
• Strong ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
• Experience managing and developing kitchen teams
• Knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems
• Skilled in setting and managing budgets and controlling costs
• Experience using online stock purchasing systems

Your rewards

You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30, plus bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a pension matched up to 7%, we’ve created a package to help you thrive:

• Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements and paid volunteering days
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities
• Flexible working options
• Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and brand-new salary sacrifice electric car schemes

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – please get in touch for more information.

Why Vivant?

With over 25 years of experience from Sanctuary Care behind us, Vivant Care is built on a foundation of trusted expertise and a bold vision for the future of care. When you join Vivant Care, you’re not just stepping into a role – you’re helping shape a new standard for later-life living.

Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Discover our values, culture, and real stories from our teams at or follow us on socials.

Before you apply

• We’re currently only accepting applications from those with the right to work in the UK.
• If you’re applying internally, please use your internal careers account to submit your application.
• We may receive a high volume of applications and reserve the right to close this advert early – so don’t miss out, apply as soon as you can.

Inclusion is one of our core values

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer sta