Head Chef

EQ Care; Preston; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Half-day birthday off

Blue Light Discount Card

28 days annual leave (pro rata)

Salary advance scheme

Contributory pension

Dedicated Learning & Development

Team member rewards

Free meals on shift

Free tax review service

Job summary

Acer Lodge, operated by EQ Care, is seeking a Head Chef who can lead a kitchen focused on nutritious meals for an older population. You’ll manage the catering team, coordinate stock and orders, and ensure all allergies and safety guidelines are up to date.

The role emphasizes work-life balance with a 7-day rota and a supportive, person-centered approach. The role requires NVQ Level 3 in food preparation & cooking (or willingness to complete) and strong IT skills.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in food preparation & cooking (or equivalent) desired or willingness to complete.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and internal applications; ability to learn new systems quickly.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the training, supervision, appraisal, and performance management of the catering team.
• Ensure staff rota is completed in a timely manner, maintaining appropriate staffing levels for each shift.
• Attend meetings and training sessions, on-site and off-site, as required.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements and company policies.
• Maintain Health and Safety knowledge: Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe handling and cross-infection guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Home Manager to support operations.

Skills

Team leadership

IT literacy

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation & Cooking

Job description

You're a fab chef, love to learn and want to progress, you have ideas for menus and understand that food is the window to the soul! You have learned alongside another chef, how to manage kitchens, including EHO requirements. However, you're tired of long days, split shifts, working through into the night and don't get time at home with the family or to go out with friends. What if there was a chef role that meant you could utilise all the learning you have had before AND you could forget long hours into the night, you didn't need to do split shifts and you had the opportunity to bring flair to menus whilst also learning about the nutritional needs of our older population? Would that be something you would love to do? Read on...

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a forward-thinking and growing organisation. As the Head Chef at Acer Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home along with the people that live here. You will have the overall responsibility for the catering services within Acer Lodge and you will lead by example. You will be responsible for the team rota, food ordering, stock control including waste, ensuring that all allergies are recorded and shared with your team. You will liaise with the people that live in the home and attend resident dining experiences. The kitchen and food preparation areas need to be kept clean and tidy. You will also have a comprehensive understanding of Health and Safety issues, particularly in respect of Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling and working within the guidelines relating to cross infection.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Oversee the training, supervision, appraisal, and performance management of the catering team.
• Ensure the staff rota is completed in a timely manner, maintaining appropriate staffing levels for each shift.
• Attend meetings and training sessions, both on-site and off-site, as required.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements, adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Health and Safety regulations, including Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling, and cross-infection guidelines.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the home.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience within a similar environment desirable.
• NVQ Level 3 in food preparation & cooking (or equivalent) or a willingness to complete this qualification if not already obtained.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and internal applications; with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Ability to work on a 7-day rota which will include weekends.

Acer Lodge opened in July 2024; a 70 bed nursing and dementia specialist care home in the heart of Blackburn, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Acer Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Acer Lodge.

£32,000 per annum

Benefits of working at EQ Care

• ½ day off for your birthday - start your celebrations early!
• Blue Light Discount Card - access exclusive savings and offers.
• 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) - enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
• Salary advance scheme (Level) - access earned pay when you need it.
• Contributory pension - helping you plan for your future.
• Dedicated Learning & Development - continuous training and career growth opportunities.
• Team member rewards - recognising and celebrating your hard work.
• Free meals on shift - enjoy a meal on us while you work.
• Free tax review service - making sure you keep more of what you earn.