Head Chef — Lead a Balanced, High-Standard Kitchen

Barchester Healthcare; Desborough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to £500 for Good/OutstandingC

Refer a Friend scheme up to £500

Discounts with big brands

Free access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax Code Review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team in our care home, delivering hotel/restaurant standards with full autonomy and a focus on resident wellbeing.

You will develop nutritious menus using fresh seasonal produce, manage front-of-house coordination, and uphold high standards across dining areas. Join a supportive team committed to quality care and culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach with genuine interest in residents' wellbeing.
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team.
• Experience with fresh seasonal food with a good understanding of nutrition.
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our homes.
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus.
• Experience working with a front of house team to ensure high restaurant standards.
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH.
• Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework (training available if new to care).

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team, develop and upskill where required.
• Menu development, tailoring around residents to 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 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

People skills

Team leadership

Nutrition knowledge

Front of house coordination

HACCP & COSHH

IDDSI framework

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team in our care home, delivering hotel/restaurant standards with full autonomy and a focus on resident wellbeing.

You will develop nutritious menus using fresh seasonal produce, manage front-of-house coordination, and uphold high standards across dining areas. Join a supportive team committed to quality care and culinary excellence.