Head Chef – Balanced Hours, Creative Menus for Elder Care

EQ Care Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

day off for your birthday

Blue Light Discount Card

28 days of annual leave

Salary advance scheme

Contributory pension

Learning & Development

Team member rewards

Free meals on shift

Free tax review service

Refer a friend scheme

Job summary

EQ Care Group is seeking a Head Chef for Acer Lodge to lead the catering team and manage kitchen operations within a 70-bed dementia-focused home in Blackburn. You will oversee menu development, stock control, allergies handling, and ensure high standards of hygiene and regulatory compliance.

The role emphasises a balanced schedule with no late-night splits, offering development opportunities in nutrition for the elderly and a supportive, home-centred environment.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in food preparation & cooking (or equivalent) or willingness to complete this qualification.
• Experience within a similar environment desirable.
• Proficiency in IT including Microsoft Office and internal applications; with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work on a 7-day rota which will include weekends.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the training, supervision, appraisal, and performance management of the catering team.
• Ensure the staff rota is completed in a timely manner, maintaining appropriate staffing levels for each shift.
• Attend meetings and training sessions, both on-site and off-site, as required.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements, adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Health and Safety regulations, including Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH, safe moving and handling, and cross-infection guidelines.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the home.

Skills

Communication skills

Experience in similar environment

NVQ Level 3 in food preparation

IT proficiency

Teamwork & independence

Education

NVQ Level 3 in food preparation & cooking

Tools

Microsoft Office

Internal applications

Job description

EQ Care Group is seeking a Head Chef for Acer Lodge to lead the catering team and manage kitchen operations within a 70-bed dementia-focused home in Blackburn. You will oversee menu development, stock control, allergies handling, and ensure high standards of hygiene and regulatory compliance.

The role emphasises a balanced schedule with no late-night splits, offering development opportunities in nutrition for the elderly and a supportive, home-centred environment.