Head Chef – Balanced Hours, Autonomy & Growth

Barchester Healthcare; Copthorne; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Barchester is seeking a Head Chef to lead a kitchen team across our homes, delivering hotel/restaurant standards with autonomy. You will develop menus around residents, work with fresh seasonal produce, bake from scratch, and ensure cost-effective, high-quality dishes.

You will mentor and recruit staff, maintain high hygiene standards (HACCP/COSHH), and create a warm, welcoming dining experience for residents. Training through our chef academy is available.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework.
• Experience working with a front of house team to ensure high restaurant standards.
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH.

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

People management

Menu planning

Nutrition knowledge

HACCP & COSHH

Front of house coordination

IDDSI dietary knowledge

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester is seeking a Head Chef to lead a kitchen team across our homes, delivering hotel/restaurant standards with autonomy. You will develop menus around residents, work with fresh seasonal produce, bake from scratch, and ensure cost-effective, high-quality dishes.

You will mentor and recruit staff, maintain high hygiene standards (HACCP/COSHH), and create a warm, welcoming dining experience for residents. Training through our chef academy is available.