Head Chef - Care Home

NHS; Witney; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent care home provider is looking for a Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations in Witney. You will lead a team to create high-quality meals while ensuring a warm dining experience for residents. This role offers a favorable work-life balance, working across 4/5 days a week and alternate weekends. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, a strong understanding of nutrition, and relevant culinary qualifications.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Unlimited Refer a Friend scheme

Discounts with retail and leisure brands

Confidential access to counselling services

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in residents’ wellbeing.
• Experience with fresh seasonal food.
• Confident in engaging with residents.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team.
• Menu development for person-centred hospitality.
• Manage stock control and conduct audits.

Skills

Personable and warm approach

Experience in leading a team

Knowledge of HACCP and COSHH

Good understanding of nutrition

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Overview

This Head Chef role at Barchester Healthcare's care home in Hailey, near Witney offers a great work-life balance with working days and alternate weekends only, across 4/5 days a week. The successful candidate will lead a team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals for the residents, with the opportunity to further develop their skills through the Barchester Chef Academy.

Details

Date posted: 11 September 2025

Salary: £36,000 a year

Contract: Permanent

Pay scheme: Other

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time

Location: Barchester Healthcare, Hailey Nr Witney, OX29 9UB

Reference number: 1379590333

Your Benefits and Rewards

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

Your Experience and Qualifications

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in residents’ wellbeing
• City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent
• Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and good understanding of nutrition
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within the homes
• Confident engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
• Experience working with front of house to ensure high dining standards
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH
• Knowledge of modified diets using the IDDSI framework (training available if new to care)

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team; develop and upskill where required
• Menu development tailored to residents for person-centred hospitality
• 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
• Work within budget, conduct regular audits and manage stock control
• Create a warm, efficient and fun dining environment
• Ongoing recruitment and retention
• Manage performance of kitchen and front of house teams

About Barchester

Barchester Healthcare is a leading provider of high-quality care and support services in the UK, committed to delivering exceptional care and a warm, welcoming environment for residents. The company offers benefits and development opportunities for staff.

Legal and Compliance

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.