Head Chef - Care Home Kitchen Lead & Menus

Aurem Care; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 hours per week

Life insurance

Free DBS check (terms)

Free on-site parking

Company pension scheme

Wagestream – access earned wages

Employee Assistance Programme

Free in-house training

Fully funded apprenticeships

Annual salary review

Job summary

Aurem Care is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at our Brimington care home in Chesterfield. The role runs full-time, 36 hours weekly, with shifts from 7am to 3pm, and a salary of £14.79 per hour (about £27,686 per year).

You will oversee menu design, hygiene, staff development and dietary planning for residents. Responsibilities include coordinating kitchen operations, managing costs, annual leave, DBS checks, and ensuring meals meet high quality and nutrition standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Head Chef in a care or similar environment.
• Experience managing and motivating a kitchen team.
• Strong understanding of balanced menu planning.
• Ability to cater for varied dietary requirements and specialist diets.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to residents' wellbeing and dining experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate kitchen operations to meet standards and deadlines.
• Oversee menus, hygiene, safety, staffing, cleaning and waste control.
• Recruit, supervise, train and develop kitchen staff.
• Manage food orders and supplies within budgets.
• Maintain HACCP records and complete documentation.
• Conduct monthly kitchen audits and report to Home Manager.
• Create nutritious menus considering variety and presentation.
• Consult residents to meet dietary needs and preferences.
• Prepare specialist diets as directed by nursing staff.
• Maintain stock levels and deep-clean schedules.
• Prepare staff rotas and plan menus for events.
• Support residents and Home Manager as needed.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Dietary accommodation

Communication

Organisation

Independent work

Commitment to wellbeing

Job description

Aurem Care is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at our Brimington care home in Chesterfield. The role runs full-time, 36 hours weekly, with shifts from 7am to 3pm, and a salary of £14.79 per hour (about £27,686 per year).

You will oversee menu design, hygiene, staff development and dietary planning for residents. Responsibilities include coordinating kitchen operations, managing costs, annual leave, DBS checks, and ensuring meals meet high quality and nutrition standards.