Head Chef – Balanced Schedule + Chef Academy

Barchester Healthcare; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to £500 for Good/OutstandingC

Refer a Friend scheme up to £500

Retail and leisure discounts

Medical specialists access

Counselling services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead and inspire a kitchen team, crafting nutritious, high-quality menus for residents. You’ll manage budgets, work with fresh seasonal produce, and collaborate with front-of-house to deliver excellent dining experiences in a warm, welcoming environment.

You will guide menu development around resident preferences, maintain high standards of HACCP/COSHH compliance, and drive staff development through coaching and training within our care homes.

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 (training available)

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 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

Budgeting

Nutrition knowledge

Front of house liaison

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Tools

HACCP

COSHH

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead and inspire a kitchen team, crafting nutritious, high-quality menus for residents. You’ll manage budgets, work with fresh seasonal produce, and collaborate with front-of-house to deliver excellent dining experiences in a warm, welcoming environment.

You will guide menu development around resident preferences, maintain high standards of HACCP/COSHH compliance, and drive staff development through coaching and training within our care homes.