Head Chef

HC-One Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care service provider in Sunderland is seeking a Head Chef to enrich the dining experiences for residents by leading the kitchen team in delivering market-leading nutrition and quality meals. The role requires a commitment to food safety and hygiene, along with qualifications in catering and hospitality. The ideal candidate will be able to inspire others while also being kind and considerate towards the needs of residents. This position offers a supportive environment focused on personal and professional development.

Benefits

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave including bank holidays

Access to GP online service

Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support

Colleague discounts to high street retailers

Career development opportunities

Referral scheme up to £1000

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior chef role in a care setting preferred.
• Commitment to delivering excellent nutrition and care.
• Ability to motivate and inspire a kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Inspire kitchen team to deliver nutritious meals for residents.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Manage budget, stock, and kitchen operations efficiently.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Attention to hygiene and safety

Education

S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Tools

HACCP knowledge

Job description

About The Role

As a Head Chef at HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything you do. It’s a quality that touches every part of life in our Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist care homes. Everyone who works here understands that our Residents are individuals, each with their own life stories – and by joining HC-One, you’ll have the opportunity to give something meaningful back to them through your care and commitment.

As Head Chef, you’ll inspire your kitchen team to deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals that our Residents will genuinely enjoy. You’ll ensure every dish supports our Residents’ health and wellbeing, considering individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements.

With hygiene and safety always front of mind, you’ll take responsibility for managing the kitchen efficiently – overseeing stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP. You’ll work closely with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence while running a smooth, well‑organised kitchen operation. You’ll also play a vital role in shaping mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences. Great food in a welcoming environment can make a real difference to our Residents’ quality of life.

Qualifications & Experience

We’re looking for someone with:

• An S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery
• A minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
• A good understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)

Beyond qualifications, we value your energy, leadership, and ability to motivate others. You’ll be organised, able to plan ahead, and take pride in delivering excellent service every day. Most importantly, you’ll be kind, considerate, and committed to making our care homes a great place to live – and work.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It is important that you are able to recognise the signs which may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.

Eligibility

Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time‑limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be progressed.

About HC-One

At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives.

Kindness the HC-One Way

• We are curious—asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate—walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative—finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous—supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• We are dependable—people can always count on us.

Digital Care Planning

We are also enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. As we continue to grow our digital capabilities, we’re looking for team members who are comfortable with technology—or open to learning. You'll be supported every step of the way.

Rewards & Benefits

• Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications.
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG.
• Free uniform.
• During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available.
• Company pension scheme.
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays.
• Group life assurance cover.
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it.
• Award‑winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
• GP online – a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app – available to you and your children under 16.
• An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
• Colleague discounts – Access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
• Wellbeing – free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives Colleagues and their family access to 24/7 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues.
• Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards.
• An attractive refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role.

Career Development

We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. With clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes, HC-One will invest in your growth—opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.