Head Chef - Balanced Schedule, Creative Menu Leader

Barchester Healthcare; Limpsfield; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CQC bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend bonus up to £500

Discounts with brands

Medical specialists access

Counselling services

Tax code review

Staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a kitchen in our care home settings. You will oversee menu development, kitchen operations and resident dining experiences, ensuring high standards without long shifts.

You will use fresh seasonal produce, maintain budgets, and develop your team through ongoing training within our dedicated chef academy and learning developments.

Qualifications

• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience leading and motivating a team.
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and nutrition.
• Ability to create a warm environment in care homes.
• Confident in engaging residents for appetising menus.
• Experience with front of house coordination.
• HACCP and COSHH knowledge.
• Familiarity with IDDSI dietary guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and upskill the kitchen team.
• Develop menus centred on residents' needs.
• 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, audits and stock control.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment.
• Recruitment and retention activities.
• Manage performance of kitchen and front-of-house teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Food preparation

Nutrition knowledge

Warm, welcoming environment

Resident engagement

FOH coordination

HACCP & COSHH

IDDSI diets

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a kitchen in our care home settings. You will oversee menu development, kitchen operations and resident dining experiences, ensuring high standards without long shifts.

You will use fresh seasonal produce, maintain budgets, and develop your team through ongoing training within our dedicated chef academy and learning developments.