Head Chef

Hartford Care Ltd; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Occupational sick pay

Annual pay reviews

Life insurance

Recruitment referral bonuses

Blue Light discounts

Free DBS check

NMC PIN reimbursement

Salary sacrifice schemes

Wagestream access

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Hartford Care Ltd in Portsmouth requires a Head Chef for a full-time role (40 hours/week) in Hartford Court. You will craft home‑cooked, nutritious dishes for residents, ensuring meals are served with care in a safe kitchen environment.

The role emphasizes warmth, creativity and team collaboration, with duties spanning menu planning, kitchen management and resident engagement. A DBS check is mandatory and the team values a compassionate, flexible approach.

Qualifications

• Enhanced DBS check is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for residents.
• Plan menus and oversee kitchen operations to ensure safety.
• Serve meals and engage residents with a caring approach.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Confidence with IT systems

Meal preparation

Dietary needs awareness

Team spirit

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Head Chef - Full-time (40 hours per week)

Location: Hartford Court - Portsmouth, Hampshire (PO3 6GN)

Join the Hartford Care Family – Where Every Meal Makes a Difference

Do you love creating home-cooked meals that make people smile? Are you passionate about fresh, nutritious food and want to make a real difference every single day?

At Hartford Care, we’re more than a care provider — we’re a family. We believe in Creating Communities, Caring for Each Other, and Celebrating Individuality. As our Chef, you’ll bring warmth, creativity, and heart to every dish you prepare. Not only that you can bring your culinary skills to a role where you do not need to work late into the night.

The Role

As a Chef, you’ll be at the heart of our home — preparing delicious, wholesome meals and snacks for our residents while keeping the kitchen running smoothly and safely.

From serving a comforting Sunday roast to hosting a bread‑making session with residents or planning next week’s menu, you’ll put care and pride into everything you do.

If you’re caring, energetic, and have a great sense of humour, you’ll fit right in!

What You’ll Bring

• A compassionate, caring nature
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Confidence with IT systems
• The ability to prepare, cook, and present nutritious, appetising meals
• Understanding of individual dietary needs
• Team spirit and flexibility to adapt to a busy environment

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

What You’ll Get

We believe in looking after the people who look after others. Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Be heard through the Hartford Voice Forum
• Occupational sick pay and annual pay reviews
• Life insurance and enhanced parental leave pay
• Recruitment referral bonuses
• Blue Light discounts
• Free DBS check and NMC PIN reimbursement
• Salary sacrifice schemes and access to Wagestream (draw down earned pay before payday!)
• A wide range of learning and development opportunities

Ready to Cook Up a Career That Cares?