Head Chef: Autonomy, Fresh Menus & Work-Life Balance

Barchester Healthcare; New Forest; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend scheme up to £500

Discounts on retail and leisure

Access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare in New Forest region is seeking a Head Chef to lead and inspire the kitchen team, crafting nutritious, high-standard menus while maintaining cost controls and exceptional resident service.

You will oversee the dining experience across homes, mentor staff, and ensure HACCP and COSHH compliance, aiming for warm, welcoming environments and high-quality, seasonal dishes.

Qualifications

• Leadership and team motivation experience.
• Ability to develop nutritious, resident-centric menus.
• Knowledge of fresh seasonal produce and nutrition.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a kitchen team.
• Develop menus tailored to residents.
• Use fresh produce to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads.
• Support front of house with dining setup.
• Manage budget, audits and stock control.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment.
• Recruitment and retention of staff.
• Oversee performance of kitchen and front-of-house teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Nutrition knowledge

HACCP/COSHH

IDDSI knowledge

Budgeting

Front of house coordination

Recruitment & retention

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare in New Forest region is seeking a Head Chef to lead and inspire the kitchen team, crafting nutritious, high-standard menus while maintaining cost controls and exceptional resident service.

You will oversee the dining experience across homes, mentor staff, and ensure HACCP and COSHH compliance, aiming for warm, welcoming environments and high-quality, seasonal dishes.