Head Chef — Creative Kitchen Lead, No Late Nights

Caring Homes Group Ltd; Waterlooville; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Residents Always Come First

Creative Freedom

Supportive Environment

Free PVG & Blue Light Card

Employee assistance program

Apprenticeship opportunities

Job summary

Caring Homes invites applications for Head Chef at Latham Lodge, Waterlooville. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, offering £16.50 per hour and a chance to lead a kitchen in a 40-bed nursing, dementia and residential care home.

You will plan menus, lead the kitchen team, and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals in a warm, home-like setting while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance. Apprenticeship opportunities and ongoing training are provided.

Qualifications

• A culinary degree or equivalent experience in a professional kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• A creative flair for menu planning and recipe development.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the kitchen team to consistently deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals while creating a warm and positive dining experience
• Plan and deliver engaging afternoon tea services weekly and a monthly Chef’s Table, creating memorable moments that residents genuinely look forward to
• Design and adapt seasonal menus tailored to residents’ preferences and dietary needs, using fresh, locally sourced produce and showcasing key ingredients
• Demonstrate creativity and attention to detail in baking and cake decoration
• Confidently plate and present dishes to a refined, fine dining standard
• Engage with residents during service in a professional, friendly, and personable manner
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance at all times
• Collaborate closely with wider teams to support events, celebrations, and individual dietary requirements
• Actively listen to feedback from residents and their families, using insights to continuously enhance and personalise the dining experience

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Communication

Creativity

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Caring Homes invites applications for Head Chef at Latham Lodge, Waterlooville. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, offering £16.50 per hour and a chance to lead a kitchen in a 40-bed nursing, dementia and residential care home.

You will plan menus, lead the kitchen team, and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals in a warm, home-like setting while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance. Apprenticeship opportunities and ongoing training are provided.