Head Chef

Bondcare Group; Wednesfield; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension

DBS check funded

Uniform provided

Free meals on shift

Job summary

Bondcare Group is seeking a dedicated Head Chef for a nursing care home in Wolverhampton. You will design healthy, seasonal menus and lead a kitchen team to deliver high-quality meals that meet complex dietary needs, including IDDSI texture-modified options, while maintaining budget controls and regulatory compliance.

You will work closely with nursing staff to monitor resident nutrition and hydration, ensuring a 5-star hygiene standard and a positive mealtime experience for residents with

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery and Level 3 Food Safety are required.
• Experience in elderly care, nursing home, or hospital is advantageous.
• Knowledge of IDDSI texture-modified meals and nutrition for older people is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and cook wholesome seasonal meals tailored to elderly residents.
• Oversee safe preparation of clinical diets including diabetic-friendly and texture-modified meals.
• Lead and manage kitchen team, rotas, orders, and budget control.
• Maintain food safety standards and ensure CQC-compliant hygiene.
• Engage with residents to learn preferences and track nutrition and hydration.

Skills

Head Chef

Budget control

Team leadership

IDDSI

Food Safety

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery

Level 3 Award in Food Safety

Job description

Are you an experienced chef looking to trade late-night restaurant hours for a fulfilling role where your culinary skills genuinely improve lives?

We are looking for a passionate, empathetic Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at our nursing care home in Wolverhampton. Our home provides dedicated residential and nursing care for elderly residents, many of whom live with complex physical needs and dementia. In this role, you will ensure that excellent nutrition, safe dietary practices, and the simple joy of a great meal remain a highlight of our residents' daily lives.

What You'll Do

• Nourishing Menus: Design and cook fresh, wholesome, and appetizing seasonal meals tailored to the tastes and nostalgic favourites of our elderly residents.
• Specialist Dietary Care: Oversee the safe preparation of complex clinical diets, including diabetic-friendly, allergen-free, and texture-modified meals (meeting IDDSI standards) for residents with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).
• Kitchen Leadership: Manage and inspire your kitchen team, handling rotas, ordering, and maintaining strict budget control without compromising on food quality.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain rigorous food safety standards, ensuring the kitchen easily meets CQC requirements and retains its 5-star food hygiene rating.
• Resident Connection: Actively engage with residents to learn their personal preferences, working alongside the nursing team to track nutrition and hydration levels.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: A strong background as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef. Experience in an elderly care home, nursing environment, or hospital is highly advantageous.
• Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) and a Level 3 Award in Food Safety.
• Expertise: A solid understanding of clinical nutrition for older people and hands-on experience with IDDSI / texture-modified food preparation.
• Key Attributes: A patient, compassionate professional who values teamwork and is dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults.

Why Join Us?

• Work-Life Balance: Reliable daytime shifts, helping you build a stable routine and enjoy your evenings.
• Purpose-Driven Work: A deeply rewarding environment where your cooking directly supports the health and happiness of elderly residents.
• Professional Support: Access to specialized training in elderly nutrition, clinical dietary requirements, and dementia care awareness.
• Perks: Competitive pension, funded DBS check, uniform provided, and free meals on shift