Head Chef: Autonomy, Academy & Balanced Schedule

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited; Crawley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to £500 for CQC inspections

Refer a Friend scheme up to £500

Discounts for retail, leisure & travel

Medical specialists access

Counseling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited in Crawley is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen, creating nutritious, flavoursome dishes that meet high standards. You will manage the kitchen and front of house teams with autonomy.

The role emphasises resident well-being, menu development, and staff development, with a focus on fresh seasonal foods, HACCP, COSHH, and IDDSI modified diets.

Qualifications

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents.
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team.
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food with a good understanding of nutrition.
• The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our homes.
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus.
• Experience working with a front of house team to ensure the restaurants are set up to a high standard.
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH.
• Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework (If new to care, we will train and develop chefs on these techniques)

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team, develop and upskill where required
• Menu development, tailoring around residents to ensure we deliver person-centred hospitality
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality and wholesome dishes cooked of the highest standards
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch
• Assist the front of house team with setting up of the dining areas
• Work within budget, complete regular audits and stock control
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
• Ongoing recruitment and retention
• Managing the performance of the kitchen team and front of house

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Nutrition knowledge

Resident-focused service

Communication with residents

Front of house coordination

HACCP

COSHH

IDDSI dietary knowledge

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited in Crawley is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen, creating nutritious, flavoursome dishes that meet high standards. You will manage the kitchen and front of house teams with autonomy.

The role emphasises resident well-being, menu development, and staff development, with a focus on fresh seasonal foods, HACCP, COSHH, and IDDSI modified diets.