Head Chef: Lead Fresh Menu & Team Excellence

Barchester Healthcare; Kettering; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend bonus up to £500

Discounts on retail and leisure

Medical specialists access

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead a dedicated kitchen team in our care home environment, delivering high-quality, nutritious menus with a focus on resident wellbeing.

You will manage front-of-house coordination, recipe development and budget control, ensuring standards remain hotel/restaurant-like without long shifts. Full autonomy on menu creation and team development is offered.

Qualifications

• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team.
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food with a good understanding of nutrition.
• The 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 the restaurants are set up to a high standard.
• 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

Leadership

Team motivation

Menu development

Nutrition knowledge

Hospitality focus

Front of house coordination

HACCP

IDDSI knowledge

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead a dedicated kitchen team in our care home environment, delivering high-quality, nutritious menus with a focus on resident wellbeing.

You will manage front-of-house coordination, recipe development and budget control, ensuring standards remain hotel/restaurant-like without long shifts. Full autonomy on menu creation and team development is offered.