Head Chef | Flexible 4/5 Day Menu Leader in Care

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited; Croydon; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend scheme up to £500

Discounts with brands, supermarkets, &

Access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a kitchen team, creating nutritious, high-quality menus in a care home setting. You will retain autonomy over menus, ensuring resident-centred hospitality without split shifts or long hours, and contribute to the Barchester Chef Academy development.

You will oversee budgeting, stock control and front-of-house collaboration, while delivering hotel/restaurant standards in a supportive, caring environment.

Qualifications

• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience leading, motivating and inspiring a team.
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food with nutrition awareness.
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH.
• Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework.

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.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Nutrition knowledge

HACCP

COSHH

Front of house coordination

Recruitment

IDDSI knowledge

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a kitchen team, creating nutritious, high-quality menus in a care home setting. You will retain autonomy over menus, ensuring resident-centred hospitality without split shifts or long hours, and contribute to the Barchester Chef Academy development.

You will oversee budgeting, stock control and front-of-house collaboration, while delivering hotel/restaurant standards in a supportive, caring environment.