Head Chef - Care Home Kitchen Leader, 8am-6pm

Porthaven Care Homes; Kidlington; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bank holiday enhancements

Refer-a-Friend bonus

Blue Light Card discount

Colleague discounts

FlexEarn

Wellbeing support

Online GP

Training & development

Company pension

Cycle to work

Free on-site parking

Free uniform

Free enhanced DBS

Job summary

Porthaven Care Homes – Lincroft Meadow Care Home, The Moors, Kidlington OX5 2AA – is seeking a Head Chef for our busy kitchen. You will lead the catering team, design seasonal menus, and ensure nutritious, home-cooked meals that residents genuinely enjoy.

We offer a competitive salary, generous bank holiday enhancements, free DBS, training and development, corporate pension, and a strong commitment to work‑life balance in a supportive care home environment.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Catering & Hospitality or equivalent.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to enrol.
• Natural ability to lead, inspire, and mentor others.
• Reliability and confidence across kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the catering team to high standards.
• Create seasonal, nutritious menus within budget.
• Manage stock and kitchen operations efficiently.
• Deliver high-quality meals that support residents' wellbeing.
• Respond to individual dietary needs with care.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Reliability

Kitchen operations

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Catering & Hospitality

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Porthaven Care Homes – Lincroft Meadow Care Home, The Moors, Kidlington OX5 2AA – is seeking a Head Chef for our busy kitchen. You will lead the catering team, design seasonal menus, and ensure nutritious, home-cooked meals that residents genuinely enjoy.

We offer a competitive salary, generous bank holiday enhancements, free DBS, training and development, corporate pension, and a strong commitment to work‑life balance in a supportive care home environment.