Head Chef

Alderbrook Care Home; Leeds; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care facility in the UK is seeking a passionate Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations, create nourishing meals, and lead a dedicated team. You will ensure high culinary standards, compliance with health and safety regulations, and make a meaningful impact on residents' dining experiences. Previous experience in a supervisory role and a culinary qualification are essential for this position. Join us in nurturing a warm and inviting dining environment for our residents.

Benefits

£16.00 per hour

40 hours per week (days)

Pension

Onsite parking

Paid DBS

Uniform provided

5.6 weeks annual leave (full-time)

Qualifications

• Experience supervising a kitchen team.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Experience preparing diets for people with specific clinical or nutritional needs is desirable.
• Previous experience in a care setting is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve a variety of meals tailored to residents' dietary needs.
• Plan and cost seasonal menus with the Group Executive Chef and Home Manager.
• Lead, support, and supervise kitchen staff to maintain high standards.
• Deliver Basic Food Hygiene training for staff involved in food handling.
• Oversee stock rotation, place orders, and manage compliance documentation.
• Ensure all Health & Safety standards are met.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Communication

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

Culinary qualification

Basic Food Hygiene Certificates

Job description

Alderbrook Care Home will soon open its doors to 140 residents living with complex physical and mental health needs. As we grow our team, we're looking for a Head Chef who can bring heart, leadership, and real culinary craft to our kitchen. This isn't just a cooking role it's an opportunity to shape the daily experience of every person who calls Alderbrook home. Food matters here. It brings comfort, connection, and joy. And under your leadership, it will become something our residents look forward to every day. Why this role matters As our Head Chef, you'll set the tone for the entire kitchen. You'll create meals that nourish and delight, lead and support a dedicated catering team, and ensure that everything leaving your kitchen reflects our high standards and our values. You will be trusted to run a professional, well‑organised kitchen that is safe, compliant, and full of warmth a place where your team feel proud of what they do.,

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve a variety of hot and cold meals, tailored to the dietary needs and personal preferences of our residents.
• Plan and cost seasonal menus with our Group Executive Chef and Home Manager, ensuring variety, balance, and budget awareness.
• Be a hands‑on leader guiding, supporting, and supervising kitchen staff to maintain high standards and smooth day‑to‑day operations.
• Deliver Basic Food Hygiene training for care colleagues involved in food handling.
• Maintain accurate food supply records, ensure fridge/freezer temperatures are monitored, and keep all compliance documentation up to date.
• Oversee stock rotation, place orders, check deliveries, and complete stock valuations.
• Prepare kitchen rotas and help recruit new team members where needed.
• Ensure that all statutory Health & Safety standards are met.
• Maintain a spotless kitchen and dining environment.

Qualifications

• A culinary qualification.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificates.
• Confident leadership and communication skills.
• Experience supervising a kitchen team.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Experience preparing diets for people with specific clinical or nutritional needs (desirable).
• Previous experience in a care setting (advantageous, not essential).

You’ll be joining a values‑led home within the Care Concern Group, a family‑owned provider with over 100 homes across the UK and growing.

At Alderbrook, we live by five core values: Trust | Respect | Passion | Kindness | Inclusivity. These aren't just words on a wall — they shape every interaction, every decision, and every plate of food we serve.

Ready to take the lead? If you're a committed chef who thrives in a busy kitchen and wants to make a real impact on residents' health and happiness, we'd love to hear from you. Take the next step and help us build a kitchen to be proud of at Alderbrook Care Home.

Benefits

• £16.00 per hour
• 40 hours per week (days)
• Pension
• Onsite parking
• Paid DBS
• Uniform provided
• 5.6 weeks annual leave (full-time)