Head Chef - Lead Fresh Menus, 4/5 Day Week, Academy Access

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus for inspections

Refer a Friend bonus

Staff discounts

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a kitchen delivering high-quality, nutritious meals in a resident-focused environment. You will oversee menu development, kitchen operations and front-of-house collaboration, creating delicious, balanced dishes that meet strict quality standards.

You will manage a team, maintain budgets, ensure food safety, and drive ongoing training and development across the culinary team within our care homes.

Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach focused on resident wellbeing.
• Leading, motivating and inspiring kitchen team.
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and nutrition.
• Knowledge of HACCP and COSHH.
• Ability to create a warm, welcoming home environment.
• Experience with modified diets using IDDSI framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a kitchen team; develop and upskill as needed.
• Develop menus tailored to residents to deliver person-centred hospitality.
• Use fresh produce to deliver high-quality, wholesome dishes to high standards.
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch.
• Assist front-of-house with dining area setup and presentation.
• Manage budget, conduct audits and stock control.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun kitchen environment.
• Oversee recruitment and retention; manage kitchen and front-of-house performance.

Skills

People management

Menu development

Nutrition awareness

HACCP knowledge

Front-of-house coordination

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ

Job description

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a kitchen delivering high-quality, nutritious meals in a resident-focused environment. You will oversee menu development, kitchen operations and front-of-house collaboration, creating delicious, balanced dishes that meet strict quality standards.

You will manage a team, maintain budgets, ensure food safety, and drive ongoing training and development across the culinary team within our care homes.