Head Chef

The Evolve Group; Swanley; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid breaks

Staff meals

Uniform provided

Workplace pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail discount scheme

Cycle scheme

Eye care benefits

Refer-a-friend scheme

Employee recognition

Job summary

The Evolve Group is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a prestigious luxury care home near Swanley.

This senior role requires strong leadership to manage a kitchen team, plan varied menus, and ensure high standards of food hygiene and resident satisfaction.

You will drive cost control, stock management, and compliance with Health & Safety, while delivering beautifully presented meals. Salary up to £45,000, full-time hours, permanent/ temp-to-perm options.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume catering.
• Level 3 Catering qualification or equivalent.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and Health & Safety.
• Experience leading and developing a kitchen team.
• Strong organisational and stock-control skills.
• Experience in care, healthcare, hotels or high-volume catering advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and manage the kitchen team.
• Plan and deliver varied, high-quality menus.
• Cater for individual dietary requirements and modified diets.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene and kitchen standards.
• Manage stock levels, ordering and controlling food costs.
• Minimise waste and implement stock-control procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and food hygiene legislation.
• Work closely with the wider management team.
• Support special events and functions within the home.
• Maintain high standards of presentation and service.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Stock control

Food hygiene

Organisational skills

Working under pressure

Education

Level 3 Catering qualification

Job description

HEAD CHEF – LUXURY CARE HOME

TEMP TO PERM

Location: Swanley / Hextable, Kent

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum DOE / £20-£25 an hour

Hours: Full-Time

Contract: Permanent/ Temp to Perm

We are recruiting an experienced Head Chef to lead the catering operation within a prestigious luxury care setting near Swanley.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Head Chef or strong Sous Chef looking to step up and take ownership of a well-established kitchen operation.

THE ROLE

As Head Chef, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading a team that includes a Second Chef and Kitchen Assistants.

You will be responsible for delivering high-quality, beautifully presented meals using fresh ingredients, with a strong focus on creating an excellent dining experience for residents.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, motivating and managing the kitchen team
• Planning and delivering varied, high-quality menus
• Catering for individual dietary requirements and modified diets
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene and kitchen standards
• Managing stock levels, ordering and controlling food costs
• Minimising waste and implementing effective stock-control procedures
• Ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety and food hygiene legislation
• Working closely with the wider management team
• Supporting special events and functions within the home
• Maintaining consistently high standards of presentation and service

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for an experienced chef with strong leadership skills and a genuine passion for producing excellent food.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or strong Sous Chef experience
• Level 3 Catering qualification or equivalent
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and Health & Safety
• Experience managing and developing a kitchen team
• Strong organisation and stock-control skills
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
• Experience within care, healthcare, hotels or high-volume catering would be advantageous

BENEFITS

• Salary up to £45,000 depending on experience
• Paid breaks
• Staff meals
• Uniform provided
• Workplace pension
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail discount scheme
• Cycle scheme
• Eye care benefits
• Refer-a-friend scheme
• Employee recognition and reward schemes

IMPORTANT

Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

INDEN