Head Chef

Quantum; Wendy; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development pathways

Training from day one

Employee assistance programme

Company pension

Free DBS check and uniform

Retail discounts

Supportive workplace

Job summary

Quantum Care's Melwood Grange Care Home in Royston is recruiting a Head Chef to lead the catering team and deliver high-end, nutritious meals for residents. You will oversee meal preparation, menu planning, and compliance with food safety standards in a modern, purpose-built kitchen.

This role requires strong leadership, experience in senior dietary requirements, and the ability to collaborate with care staff to support resident wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Proven head chef or equivalent leadership experience.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Ability to manage and motivate teams.
• Experience delivering nutritious meals at scale.

Responsibilities

• Meal preparation for diverse dietary needs.
• Plan staff rotas and arrange cover for absences.
• Oversee catering operations ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure statutory training compliance for kitchen staff.
• Conduct regular stock takes and manage inventory.
• Engage with residents and staff to gather feedback.

Skills

Head Chef

Leadership

Food Safety

Education

C&G 706/01, 706/02 or NVQ Intermediate Food Hygiene

Job description

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Meal Preparation: Create homely, well-balanced meals tailored to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
• Team Scheduling: Plan staff rotas to ensure smooth kitchen operations and arrange cover for absences using existing and casual staff.
• Catering Operations: Oversee all aspects of the catering service, ensuring it is safe, cost-effective, and of high quality.
• Training Compliance: Ensure all kitchen staff complete required statutory training.
• Stock Management: Conduct regular stock takes and maintain inventory at agreed minimum levels.
• Customer Engagement: Communicate regularly with residents and staff to gather feedback and foster a welcoming dining experience. Proven experience as a Chef or in a comparable culinary leadership role.
• Strong culinary expertise with a passion for preparing nutritious meals.
• Excellent leadership skills with a track record of managing and motivating teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations and best kitchen practises.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to support resident care.
• The holder of a C&G 706/01, 706/02 or NVQ equivalent Intermediate Food Hygiene/ Safety certificate.
• Well organised.
• Sensitive to the needs of older people., An Overseas Police Check/ Certificate of Good Conduct may be required if you have lived or worked outside the UK for 12 Months or more, spent a significant period overseas, or worked abroad in a position of trust. This will be in addition to a mandatory Enhanced DBS check. Quantum Care is a noâ€'forâ€'profit organisation supporting over 2,000 older people across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex. Our mission is simple: to help our residents live well, with dignity, comfort and joy. To do that, we need people who care as much as we do and

Make Every Day Matter. We are seeking a Head Chef to join our welcoming team at Melwood Grange Care Home in Royston. A luxury, 73 bed purpose-built care home set in the Hertfordshire countryside, Melwood Grange offers exceptional care in stylish surroundings, with premium facilities including a cinema, café, hair and beauty salon, and beautifully landscaped gardens. If you're passionate about good food and want your work to genuinely make a difference, this could be the perfect role for you. As a Head Chef, you will lead with Catering team to create and deliver high end quality and nutritional meals. The modern facility has been thoughtfully designed to provide an excellent working environment and will include a newly fitted, fully equipped commercial kitchen.

Benefits

In return for your dedication, you'll receive:

• Competitive salary with enhanced pay on weekends and Bank Holidays
• Clear career development pathways and recognition of milestones
• Firstâ€'class inâ€'house training from day one
• Free Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support
• Company pension scheme (after 1 year of service)
• Free DBS check and uniform
• Access to retail discounts and exclusive offers
• A supportive, valuesâ€'driven workplace where your contribution truly matters