Head Chef - Balanced Hours, Autonomy & Chef Academy

Barchester Healthcare; Croydon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4/5 days with alternate weekends

Bonus up to £500 for CQC good/outstand

Refer a Friend up to £500

Discounts with brands, supermarkets, &

Free access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead kitchen and front of house within our care homes. You will develop menus tailored to residents' needs, deliver high-quality, nutritious dishes, and nurture a warm, welcoming dining experience.

The role offers autonomy in menu creation, focus on seasonal produce, and opportunities for ongoing development through our Chef Academy. Experience with HACCP, COSHH, and IDDSI is valued, with competitive rewards and staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach with genuine interest in residents' wellbeing.
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience in leading and motivating a team.
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and good understanding of nutrition.
• Ability to create a warm, 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.
• Knowledge of HACCP and COSHH.
• Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework.

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 to 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 development

Seasonal menus

HACCP knowledge

COSHH knowledge

IDDSI knowledge

Budgeting & stock control

Front of house coordination

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead kitchen and front of house within our care homes. You will develop menus tailored to residents' needs, deliver high-quality, nutritious dishes, and nurture a warm, welcoming dining experience.

The role offers autonomy in menu creation, focus on seasonal produce, and opportunities for ongoing development through our Chef Academy. Experience with HACCP, COSHH, and IDDSI is valued, with competitive rewards and staff benefits.