Head Chef - Balanced Shifts, Autonomy & Academy

Barchester Healthcare; Fontwell; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to £500 for CQC excellence

Refer a Friend bonus up to £500

Discounts on retail and leisure

Access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in one of our care homes, delivering nutritious, flavoursome meals with high standards. You will have full autonomy to develop menus, train staff and ensure top-quality dining experiences for residents.

You will manage budgets, conduct regular audits, and work with front of house to create a warm, welcoming environment. Training through the Barchester Chef Academy supports ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience leading, motivating and inspiring a kitchen team.
• Experience working with fresh seasonal ingredients and nutrition.
• Knowledge of HACCP and COSHH.
• Familiar with IDDSI diet modifications and able to train others.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a kitchen team; develop and upskill as needed.
• Develop menus tailored to residents with person-centred hospitality.
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality, wholesome dishes.
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch.
• Assist front of house with dining setup.
• Manage budget, audits and stock control.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun dining environment.
• Recruitment and retention; manage kitchen and front of house performance.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Fresh seasonal food

Nutrition knowledge

Food safety HACCP

Diet modifications IDDSI

Front of house coordination

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in one of our care homes, delivering nutritious, flavoursome meals with high standards. You will have full autonomy to develop menus, train staff and ensure top-quality dining experiences for residents.

You will manage budgets, conduct regular audits, and work with front of house to create a warm, welcoming environment. Training through the Barchester Chef Academy supports ongoing professional development.