Head Chef

NHS; Northampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Northampton is seeking a Head Chef to manage a culinary team. You will oversee the preparation of modified diets, maintain high culinary standards, and control the budget within a care home environment. The ideal candidate has at least two years of experience in a similar role and holds a catering qualification. This full-time position offers a salary of £16.50 per hour and requires you to work including weekends.

Qualifications

• Two years' experience managing a culinary team in care or hospitality.
• Relevant catering qualification needed.
• Passion for high-quality culinary standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare modified diets according to IDDSI guidance.
• Place food orders and maintain stock levels.
• Supervise kitchen staff and provide training.

Skills

Team management

Budget control

Nutritional standards

Food preparation

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or NVQ

Job description

Job Summary

Avery Healthcare is one of the UK's largest providers of luxury elderly care homes, offering exceptional care across a growing network of over 100 homes. As Head Chef you will manage and lead a culinary team that delivers nutritionally balanced, high‑quality service within budget, preparing modified diets, placing food orders, supervising staff and practising safe systems of work.

Job Details

• Date posted: 25 November 2025
• Salary: £16.50 an hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: 1432365863
• Location: Avery Healthcare, Northampton, NN3 6QP

Shift Details

07:30 – 16:00, including alternate weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare modified diets that look appealing and are well‑balanced in accordance with IDDSI guidance.
• Place food orders, subject to appropriate levels of authority, with approved suppliers, complying with procedures to maintain appropriate stock levels and control, ensuring good quality provisions are purchased within agreed budget limits.
• Supervise and direct the work of kitchen staff and the host team, instructing and demonstrating simple food preparation activities to unqualified staff.
• Practice safe systems of work across the range of tasks and moving and handling loads by assessing risk and having due regard for the personal safety of residents, visitors and staff.

Qualifications

• Two years' experience managing a culinary team in the care or hospitality sectors.
• Relevant catering qualification such as City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or an NVQ.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to the delivery of high‑quality culinary standards to residents.
• Demonstrated ability to control a budget.

Other Requirements

• Valid DBS Disclosure check (cost covered by Avery Healthcare).
• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
• Submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Advert Information

This advert may be withdrawn prior to the advertised deadline depending on the volume of applications received and business needs.

Employer

Avery Healthcare Group Ltd.

Avery Healthcare, Northampton, NN3 6QP

Website: https://www.averyhealthcare.co.uk/