Head Chef

Hartford Care; Winchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A care service provider in Winchester is seeking a Head Chef to prepare nutritious meals for residents. Responsibilities include keeping the kitchen organized, planning menus, and serving food while ensuring quality and safety. Ideal candidates will possess a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and have excellent communication skills. This role offers a supportive environment with no night shifts, focusing on creating enjoyable dining experiences for residents.

Benefits

Occupational sick pay

Annual pay reviews

Life insurance

Enhanced parental leave pay

Recruitment referral bonuses

Blue Light discounts

Free DBS check

Access to Wagestream

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Compassionate, caring nature essential.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate required.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills are a must.
• Ability to prepare nutritious, appetising meals.

Responsibilities

• Prepare wholesome meals and snacks for residents.
• Keep the kitchen running smoothly and safely.
• Serve comforting meals and plan weekly menus.

Skills

Compassionate nature

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Confidence with IT systems

Ability to prepare and present meals

Understanding of dietary needs

Team spirit

Flexibility

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

This position will include an additional £3,000 attraction payment which will be paid as £1,500.00 on joining and £1,500.00 on completion of the probationary period. This will only be valid for direct applications not through an agency. T&C's apply.

Head Chef – Full‑Time (40 Hours per Week - No night shifts. Including alternate weekends)

Location: Winchester

Join the Hartford Care Family – Where Every Meal Makes a Difference

Do you love creating home‑cooked meals that make people smile? Are you passionate about fresh, nutritious food and want to make a real difference every single day?

At Hartford Care, we’re more than a care provider — we’re a family. We believe in Creating Communities, Caring for Each Other, and Celebrating Individuality. As our Chef, you’ll bring warmth, creativity, and heart to every dish you prepare. Not only that you can bring your culinary skills to a role where you do not need to work late into the night as our shifts are 8am‑6pm.

The Role

As a Chef, you’ll be at the heart of our home — preparing delicious, wholesome meals and snacks for our residents while keeping the kitchen running smoothly and safely.

From serving a comforting Sunday roast to hosting a bread‑making session with residents or planning next week’s menu, you’ll put care and pride into everything you do.

If you’re caring, energetic, and have a great sense of humour, you’ll fit right in!

What You’ll Bring

• A compassionate, caring nature
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Confidence with IT systems
• The ability to prepare, cook, and present nutritious, appetising meals
• Understanding of individual dietary needs
• Team spirit and flexibility to adapt to a busy environment

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

What You’ll Get

• Be heard through the Hartford Voice Forum
• Occupational sick pay and annual pay reviews
• Life insurance and enhanced parental leave pay
• Recruitment referral bonuses
• Blue Light discounts
• Free DBS check and NMC PIN reimbursement
• Salary sacrifice schemes and access to Wagestream (draw down earned pay before payday!)
• A wide range of learning and development opportunities

Ready to Cook Up a Career That Cares?

If you’re passionate about great food and want to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and join the Hartford Care family!