Head Chef — Balanced Hours, Autonomy & Academy

Barchester Healthcare; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus for CQC inspection

Refer a Friend bonus

Discounts with brands

Access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester is seeking a Head Chef to deliver hotel/restaurant standards in a care-home setting, with autonomy to create nutritious and flavoursome menus. You will lead and develop the kitchen team, ensure high-quality dishes, and maintain a warm dining environment across homes.

Training on IDDSI diets is provided, with opportunities for career growth through the Barchester Chef Academy. The role emphasizes quality, resident wellbeing and high standards, with comprehensive benefits and ongoing

Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach with wellbeing of residents
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent
• Experience leading and inspiring a team
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and nutrition
• Ability to create a welcoming environment in homes
• Confidence engaging with residents to craft appetising menus
• Experience with front of house coordination for high standards
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH
• Knowledge of modified diets using IDDSI (training provided if new to care)

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team; develop and upskill where required
• Menu development tailored around residents for person-centred hospitality
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality dishes
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch
• Assist front of house with dining area setup
• Manage budget, complete audits and stock control
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
• Ongoing recruitment and retention
• Manage performance of kitchen and front of house

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Nutrition knowledge

Food safety

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Tools

HACCP

COSHH

Job description

Barchester is seeking a Head Chef to deliver hotel/restaurant standards in a care-home setting, with autonomy to create nutritious and flavoursome menus. You will lead and develop the kitchen team, ensure high-quality dishes, and maintain a warm dining environment across homes.

Training on IDDSI diets is provided, with opportunities for career growth through the Barchester Chef Academy. The role emphasizes quality, resident wellbeing and high standards, with comprehensive benefits and ongoing