Head Chef - Care Home

TN United Kingdom; Northampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Head Chef who values work-life balance and quality standards. In this role, you will lead a dedicated kitchen team, creating nutritious and delicious menus while managing a warm and welcoming environment. You'll enjoy the autonomy to innovate and inspire, all while working reasonable hours without split shifts. With opportunities for professional development through the Barchester Chef Academy, this position offers a chance to grow your culinary skills and make a meaningful impact on residents' lives. If you're ready to elevate your culinary career, this is the opportunity for you!

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus

Refer a Friend scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Free access to medical specialists

Confidential counselling services

Tax Code Review Service

Option to join staff lottery

Qualifications

• Experience leading and inspiring a team in a kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of nutrition and experience with fresh seasonal food.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Develop menus tailored to residents' dietary needs and preferences.
• Manage kitchen budgets, audits, and stock control.

Skills

Team Leadership

Menu Development

Nutrition Knowledge

HACCP Understanding

Communication Skills

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

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Are you a passionate and qualified Chef looking for a better work life balance?

If you are keen to be part of a company driven by quality and high standards, Barchester is the place to be!

Your Benefits and Rewards

• Working days and alternate weekends only, across 4/5 days a week
• 'Rewarding Excellence' bonus, with up to £500* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
• Unlimited access to our 'Refer a Friend' scheme, earning up to £500* per referral
• Access to retail and leisure discounts with big brands, supermarkets, and travel companies
• Free access to medical specialists for a second opinion
• Confidential and free counselling and legal services
• Tax Code Review Service
• Option to join our monthly staff lottery

Your Experience and Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach, with genuine interest in residents' wellbeing
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent
• Experience leading, motivating, and inspiring a team
• Experience working with fresh seasonal food and understanding of nutrition
• Ability to create a welcoming environment
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising, nutritious menus
• Experience working with front of house teams
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH
• Knowledge of modified diets using the IDDSI framework (training provided if new to care)

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and inspire your team, developing their skills
• Develop menus tailored to residents' needs
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality dishes
• Bake from scratch and assist with setting up dining areas
• Manage budgets, audits, and stock control
• Create a warm, efficient, and fun environment
• Recruitment and retention
• Manage performance of kitchen and front of house teams

As a Head Chef at Barchester, you will deliver hotel/restaurant standards without split shifts or long hours. You will have full autonomy to create nutritious, flavoursome menus and own your kitchen and team development.

Our Barchester Chef Academy offers opportunities to learn new techniques, develop skills, and share knowledge. We also provide industry-recognised apprenticeships and further qualifications.

If you are a motivated and dedicated chef ready to be part of something special, apply today!

*Terms & conditions apply

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