Head Chef - Care Home

Retail Human Resources plc; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Head Chef, where you can create delicious, nutritious meals without the stress of split shifts. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a passionate team, develop personalized menus, and maintain high culinary standards. With a focus on staff development and a supportive environment, you’ll have the autonomy to craft exceptional dining experiences while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. If you’re dedicated to quality and looking to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus

Refer a Friend scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Free access to medical specialists

Confidential counselling and legal services

Tax Code Review Service

Monthly staff lottery

Qualifications

• Experience leading and motivating a kitchen team.
• Knowledge of nutrition and menu development.
• Understanding of HACCP and COSHH regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Develop person-centered menus tailored to residents' needs.
• Manage kitchen performance and ensure a welcoming environment.

Skills

Team Leadership

Menu Development

Nutrition Knowledge

HACCP Understanding

Culinary Skills

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Are you a passionate and qualified Chef looking for a better work life balance? If you are keen to be part of a company that is 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 where you will be financially rewarded 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 a wide range of retail and leisure discounts with big brands, supermarkets and travel companies
• Free access to medical specialists, who are on hand for a second opinion if you need it
• Confidential and free access to counselling and legal services
• Tax Code Review Service to check you're on the right code and paying the right level of tax
• Option to join our monthly staff lottery alongside your colleagues nationwide

Your Experience and Qualifications

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents
• 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
• The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our homes
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
• Experience working with a front of house team to ensure the restaurants are set up to a high standard
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH
• Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework (training provided if new to care)

Your Role and 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 of the 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

As a Head Chef at Barchester, you will have the chance to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without the split shifts and long hours. Our chefs have full autonomy in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well-balanced menus, whilst also taking ownership of their kitchen and ongoing team development.

We are proud of our Barchester Chef Academy, where chefs can learn new techniques and develop their skills, sharing knowledge to support others. Our internal Learning and Development team also offers apprenticeships and further qualifications for career growth.

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

*Terms & conditions apply