Head Chef: Flexible 4/5 Day Week, Autonomous Kitchen

Barchester Healthcare; Stamford Bridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend scheme up to £500

Discounts with major brands

Free access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax Code Review Service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a kitchen team within our care homes. You will design menus, manage food preparation, and ensure high standards of quality and nutrition for residents.

With a passion for fresh produce, HACCP compliance, and staff development, you will create warm, welcoming dining experiences while controlling costs and maintaining excellent service across venues.

Qualifications

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents.
• Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team.
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food with a good understanding of nutrition.
• 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

Need to engage residents

Fresh seasonal food

Nutrition awareness

HACCP knowledge

COSHH knowledge

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a kitchen team within our care homes. You will design menus, manage food preparation, and ensure high standards of quality and nutrition for residents.

With a passion for fresh produce, HACCP compliance, and staff development, you will create warm, welcoming dining experiences while controlling costs and maintaining excellent service across venues.