Head Chef

Colten Care; Winchester; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and support

Contributory pension

Free meals on duty

Flexible overtime

Job summary

Colten Care is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at St Catherines View in Winchester. The role involves creating meals that are comforting, enjoyable and of fine dining quality for residents, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a positive dining experience.

You will manage the kitchen and waiting teams, maintain high standards, and contribute to menus and special events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or senior cook.
• City & Guilds 706/1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery desirable.
• Strong leadership and ability to manage kitchen and waiting teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen and waiting teams, setting high standards.
• Prepare fresh, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients.
• Engage with residents to understand preferences and bring ideas to life at events.
• Shape the dining experience at special events within the home.

Skills

Team leadership

Culinary excellence

Menu planning

Communication

Education

City & Guilds 706/1/2

NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery

Level 2 Commis Chef

Job description

Head Chef

From £43,675 + paid overtime

4 days on / 4 days off | 6:30am - 6:30pm | Average 42 hours per week

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen at St Catherines View in Winchester, Hampshire. This is a unique opportunity to combine your culinary skills, creating meals that bring comfort, enjoyment and fine dining to our residents every day.

Working in a modern kitchen equipped with high end appliances, you’ll take pride in preparing fresh, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. With nutritious daily menus including freshly baked cakes, your food will play a key role in enhancing residents’ wellbeing. You’ll also take the lead in shaping the dining experience, engaging with residents to understand their preferences and bringing your ideas to life at special events within the home.

As the head of the kitchen, you’ll lead and support both the kitchen and waiting teams, setting high standards and creating a positive, collaborative environment.

Why this role stands out

• 4 on / 4 off rota posted 4 weeks in advance with shifts finishing at 6:30pm
• Fully staffed kitchen with Kitchen Assistants, Kitchen Domestics and Waiting team
• Paid breaks and overtime opportunities
• Modern kitchen with quality equipment and fresh ingredients
• Overtime opportunities available

About you

You’re a skilled and motivated chef who takes pride in delivering high-quality food and creating a positive dining experience. You enjoy leading a team, building relationships, and bringing energy and creativity into the kitchen.

A City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Cookery or Level 2 Commis Chef is desirable along with experience in a similar role.

About Colten Care

We’re an award-winning, family-owned care home group with an outstanding reputation. All 21 of our homes are rated Good by the CQC, with 7 rated Outstanding. Our success is built on our people and our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do.

Additional benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from excellent training and support, a contributory pension scheme, free meals on duty, and flexible overtime to suit your lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a Head Chef role where you can lead with creativity, make a meaningful impact, and still enjoy your time outside of work, we’d love to hear from you.