Head Chef: Lead Fresh Menus, 4/5 Days, Autonomy

Barchester Healthcare; Camberley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend up to £500

Discounts on retail and travel

Free access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a talented kitchen team in our care homes. You will craft nutritious, stylish menus, supervise the kitchen and front-of-house operations, and uphold the highest standards of hospitality.

You will train and develop staff, manage budgets, ensure safe food handling, and deliver warm, welcoming dining experiences for residents. This role offers strong work-life balance with 4/5 days across weekends and access to a range of staff

Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach with residents' wellbeing focus.
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team.
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and understanding nutrition.
• Ability to create a warm, welcoming environment in our homes.
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising menus.
• Experience with front of house teams ensuring high standard restaurant setup.
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH.
• Knowledge of modified diets using the IDDSI framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team.
• Menu development tailored to residents for person-centred hospitality.
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch.
• Assist front of house team with dining area setup.
• Work within budget, conduct audits and stock control.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment.
• Ongoing recruitment and retention.
• Manage kitchen and front of house performance.

Skills

People leadership

Customer focus

Fresh seasonal food

Nutrition knowledge

Resident engagement

Front of house coordination

HACCP & COSHH

IDDSI diets

Warm hospitality

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead a talented kitchen team in our care homes. You will craft nutritious, stylish menus, supervise the kitchen and front-of-house operations, and uphold the highest standards of hospitality.

You will train and develop staff, manage budgets, ensure safe food handling, and deliver warm, welcoming dining experiences for residents. This role offers strong work-life balance with 4/5 days across weekends and access to a range of staff