Head Chef

Darnford Rose; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 46,287,000 - 49,594,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-site parking

Free uniform

Pension scheme

Staff training & development

DBS fee refunded

Annual leave 5.6 weeks

Job summary

Darnford Rose Care Home is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our catering team and elevate the dining experience for residents. The role offers a full-time schedule of 38 hours per week with a competitive hourly rate of £17.00.

You will plan nutritious menus, supervise kitchen staff and ensure high standards of hygiene, safety and food quality while accommodating residents' dietary and cultural needs.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Head Chef role (or senior catering role).
• Hold a Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Strong understanding of HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety requirements.
• Experience tailoring meals for diverse dietary, nutritional and cultural needs.
• Experience managing stock, budgets and kitchen resources.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver fresh, nutritious meals meeting residents' dietary needs.
• Create varied, seasonal menus promoting health and resident choice.
• Lead, motivate and develop a catering team with high standards.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Monitor food quality, presentation and portion control for exceptional dining.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Food Hygiene Certificate

HACCP COSHH

Dietary knowledge

Kitchen management

Food budgeting

Job description

Head Chef

Job Summary

Darnford Rose Care Home is looking for an experienced, passionate and dedicated Head Chef to lead our catering team.

We can offer a full time role, 38 Hours per week and a competitive hourly rate of £17.00 per hour.

As our Head Chef, you'll play a vital role in enhancing the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our residents by creating delicious, nutritious meals that people genuinely look forward to. Leading a small kitchen team, you'll ensure the highest standards of food quality, hygiene and service while creating a welcoming dining experience tailored to each resident's individual needs and preferences.

If you're passionate about great food, leadership and making a real difference through exceptional hospitality, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As our Head Chef, you will:

• Plan, prepare and deliver fresh, nutritious meals that meet residents' dietary, nutritional and cultural requirements.
• Create varied and seasonal menus that promote health, wellbeing and resident choice.
• Lead, motivate and support the catering team, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality and service.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring it runs safely, efficiently and effectively.
• Monitor food quality, presentation and portion control to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
• Manage stock ordering, stock rotation and food budgets while minimising waste.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, HACCP, COSHH, Health & Safety and company policies.
• Maintain accurate food safety records, temperature checks and kitchen documentation.
• Liaise with residents, families and the wider care team to ensure individual dietary needs and preferences are met.
• Build positive relationships with suppliers to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality ingredients.
• Promote a clean, safe and welcoming kitchen environment while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience working as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or in a senior catering role.
• Holds a Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Has a strong understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety requirements.
• Has experience preparing meals for people with a range of dietary, nutritional and cultural requirements.
• Has experience managing stock, food budgets and kitchen resources effectively.
• Is confident leading, motivating and developing a kitchen team.
• Has excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
• Has previous experience working within a care home, healthcare or hospitality setting (desirable).
• Is passionate about delivering exceptional food and creating a positive dining experience for residents.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development.
• Career progression opportunities across our growing organisation.
• Supportive and friendly team environment.
• Free uniform.
• Paid mandatory training.
• DBS fee refunded.
• Annual leave equivalent to 5.6 weeks (inclusive of Bank Holidays).
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Free Blue Light Card.
• Access to on-demand pay and savings through our financial wellbeing app.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef looking to lead a kitchen where your food has a meaningful impact on residents' health, wellbeing and happiness every day. If you're passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences and leading a successful catering team, we'd love to hear from you.