Head Chef — Lead a Compassionate Kitchen for Residents

Avery Healthcare Group; Watford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Head Chef at Elton House Care Home in Watford leads a culinary team to deliver nutritionally balanced, high-quality meals for residents, all within budget.

You will oversee modified diets per IDDSI, manage supplier orders, supervise kitchen and Host team, and ensure safe working practices. DBS check and UK work eligibility are required; Avery supports care excellence and staff development.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience managing a culinary team in the care or hospitality sectors.
• Hold a relevant catering qualification – City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or NVQ.

Responsibilities

• Preparing modified diets that look appealing and are well-balanced and in accordance with IDDSI guidance.
• Placing food orders, subject to appropriate levels of authority, with approved suppliers, complying with procedures to maintain appropriate stock levels and control, ensuring good quality provisions are purchased within agreed budget limits.
• Supervising and directing the work of other kitchen staff and the Host team, instructing and demonstrating simple food preparation activities to unqualified staff.
• Practicing safe systems of work across the range of tasks and moving and handling loads by assessing risk and having due regard for the personal safety of residents, visitors, and staff.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Budget control

Food safety

Diet modification

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2

NVQ

Job description

Head Chef at Elton House Care Home in Watford leads a culinary team to deliver nutritionally balanced, high-quality meals for residents, all within budget.

You will oversee modified diets per IDDSI, manage supplier orders, supervise kitchen and Host team, and ensure safe working practices. DBS check and UK work eligibility are required; Avery supports care excellence and staff development.