Head Chef Head Chef

HC-One Ltd.; North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in the UK seeks a Head Chef to inspire a kitchen team delivering high-quality meals that cater to individual dietary needs. Responsibilities include managing kitchen operations, maintaining hygiene standards, and creating enjoyable dining experiences. Candidates should have relevant qualifications in catering and leadership skills. This position offers a competitive hourly rate with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meals during shifts of 8 hours or more

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Group life assurance cover

Wagestream for financial wellbeing

Award-winning learning and development

24/7 GP consultation

Colleague discounts

Confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Recognition schemes

Refer a friend scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate required.
• Good understanding of HACCP is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards like HACCP.
• Shape mealtimes into enjoyable dining experiences.

Skills

Energy, leadership, and the ability to motivate others

Organised with the ability to plan ahead and deliver excellent service

Kind, considerate, and committed

Safeguarding awareness

Willingness to undertake training

Education

S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

As a Head Chef at HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything you do. It’s a quality that touches every part of life in our Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist care homes. Everyone who works here understands that our Residents are individuals, each with their own life stories – and by joining HC-One, you’ll have the opportunity to give something meaningful back to them through your care and commitment. You’ll inspire your kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that our Residents will genuinely enjoy. You’ll ensure every dish supports our Residents’ health and wellbeing, considering individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements. With hygiene and safety always front of mind, you’ll take responsibility for managing the kitchen efficiently – overseeing stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP. You’ll work closely with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence while running a smooth, well-organised kitchen operation. You’ll also play a vital role in shaping mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences. After all, great food in a welcoming environment can make a real difference to our Residents’ quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals for Residents.
• Ensure every dish supports health and wellbeing, considering dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements.
• Maintain hygiene and safety, manage stock and budgets, place orders, and ensure compliance with food safety standards (HACCP).
• Collaborate with central teams to maintain nutritional standards and efficient kitchen operations.
• Shape mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences for Residents.

Qualifications & Requirements

• An S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery
• A minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
• A good understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)

Skills & Attributes

• Energy, leadership, and the ability to motivate others
• Organised with the ability to plan ahead and deliver excellent service
• Kind, considerate, and committed to making HC-One a great place to live and work
• Safeguarding awareness and the ability to recognise signs of abuse, harm or neglect, with the ability to report concerns
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding training and additional role-related training

About HC-One

At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives. To provide the kindest possible care, everyone at HC-One brings five key qualities, the HC-One Way:

• We are curious – asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate – walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative – finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous – supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• We are dependable – people can always count on us.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and prioritise inclusive working practices. We are enhancing how we support residents through digital care planning, which helps streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. As we grow our digital capabilities, we’re looking for team members who are comfortable with technology or open to learning. You’ll be supported every step of the way. We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. We offer clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes to invest in your growth, opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.

Salary & Benefits

£15.35 to £15.95 per hour. All Locations: Newcastle-upon-Tyne

• Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
• GP online – 24/7 GP consultation via an interactive app (for you and your children under 16)
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high street discounts
• Wellbeing support via confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition schemes such as 'Kindness in Care' and Long Service Awards
• Refer a friend scheme (up to £1000 per referral, depending on role)