Head Chef

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

Job summary

A leading care provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team in delivering nutritious and high-quality meals for residents. You will need to ensure food safety and hygiene while considering individual dietary requirements. The ideal candidate will have qualifications in Catering and Hospitality, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to providing kind and compassionate care. Join this committed team to enhance the residents' dining experience in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Hourly rate subject to experience

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meal during shifts over eight hours

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays

Group life assurance cover

Financial wellbeing access via Wagestream

Award-winning learning and development opportunities

GP online service

Colleague discounts

Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support

Recognition schemes and referral bonuses

Qualifications

• Lead kitchen team to deliver high-quality meals considering dietary needs.
• Manage kitchen safety, stock, budget, and food safety compliance.
• Shape mealtime experiences to improve Residents' quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Inspire the kitchen team for quality meal delivery.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are met.
• Foster an inclusive workplace and support colleagues' growth.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Culinary creativity

Hygiene and safety knowledge

Kindness

Education

S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Tools

HACCP knowledge

Job description

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. After all, great food in a welcoming environment can make a real difference to our Residents' quality of life.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and therefore 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.

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.

Key Qualities – 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.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do.

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.

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.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

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