Head Chef

Caring Homes Group Ltd; Waterlooville; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Residents Always Come First

Creative Freedom

Supportive Environment

Free PVG & Blue Light Card

Employee assistance program

Apprenticeship opportunities

Job summary

Caring Homes invites applications for Head Chef at Latham Lodge, Waterlooville. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, offering £16.50 per hour and a chance to lead a kitchen in a 40-bed nursing, dementia and residential care home.

You will plan menus, lead the kitchen team, and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals in a warm, home-like setting while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance. Apprenticeship opportunities and ongoing training are provided.

Qualifications

• A culinary degree or equivalent experience in a professional kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• A creative flair for menu planning and recipe development.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the kitchen team to consistently deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals while creating a warm and positive dining experience
• Plan and deliver engaging afternoon tea services weekly and a monthly Chef’s Table, creating memorable moments that residents genuinely look forward to
• Design and adapt seasonal menus tailored to residents’ preferences and dietary needs, using fresh, locally sourced produce and showcasing key ingredients
• Demonstrate creativity and attention to detail in baking and cake decoration
• Confidently plate and present dishes to a refined, fine dining standard
• Engage with residents during service in a professional, friendly, and personable manner
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance at all times
• Collaborate closely with wider teams to support events, celebrations, and individual dietary requirements
• Actively listen to feedback from residents and their families, using insights to continuously enhance and personalise the dining experience

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Communication

Creativity

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Latham Lodge, 139 Stakes Road Waterlooville

Job Reference caringhomesgroup/TP/72240/3480

Contract Type:

Permanent

Location:

Latham Lodge, 139 Stakes Road Waterlooville

Job Category:

Catering

Home Name:

Latham Lodge

Job introduction

Head Chef – Latham Lodge, Waterlooville- £16.50 per hour

• 40 Bedded Nursing, Dementia and Residential Care Home
• Full time; 40 hours per week
• Shifts will include alternate weekends

Are you a talented chef with a passion for creating delicious meals and making a difference in people's lives? Look no further! At Caring Homes, we're on a mission to make each home the best possible place to live and work, and that includes our kitchen. Join us in creating a culinary experience that feels like home for our residents and our team.

Why Join Us:

• Work-Life Balance: Say goodbye to late nights and hello to a schedule that prioritises your well-being. We believe in fostering a healthy work-life balance, so you can pursue your passion for cooking while still enjoying time with family and friends.
• Residents Always Come First: Our commitment to our residents is unwavering. They are at the heart of everything we do, and their satisfaction is our top priority. Join us in delivering personalised dining experiences that delight the senses and nourish the soul.
• Creative Freedom: As our head chef, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary talents and creativity. From menu planning to meal preparation, you'll have the autonomy to create dishes that cater to our residents' needs and preferences.
• Supportive Environment: We're more than just colleagues; we’re a family. Experience the warmth and camaraderie of working alongside dedicated team members who share your passion for food and hospitality.
• No late evenings, allowing you to enjoy a better work-life balance.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing professional development including training and support to help you excel in your role including apprenticeship opportunities.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Free PVG & Blue Light Card
• Employee assistance program for personal and professional support.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the kitchen team to consistently deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals while creating a warm and positive dining experience
• Plan and deliver engaging afternoon tea services weekly and a monthly Chef’s Table, creating memorable moments that residents genuinely look forward to
• Design and adapt seasonal menus tailored to residents’ preferences and dietary needs, using fresh, locally sourced produce and showcasing key ingredients
• Demonstrate creativity and attention to detail in baking and cake decoration
• Confidently plate and present dishes to a refined, fine dining standard
• Engage with residents during service in a professional, friendly, and personable manner
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance at all times
• Collaborate closely with wider teams to support events, celebrations, and individual dietary requirements
• Actively listen to feedback from residents and their families, using insights to continuously enhance and personalise the dining experience

Ideal Candidate

• A culinary degree or equivalent experience in a professional kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• A creative flair for menu planning and recipe development.

If you're ready to bring your culinary skills to a place where they truly matter, join us at Caring Homes and become part of our culinary family.