Head Chef: Lead Fresh Menus, Grow with Chef Academy

Barchester Healthcare; Crowmarsh Gifford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CQC bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend scheme up to £500

Discounts at brands & travel

Free 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 our kitchens with a focus on high-quality, nutritious menus using fresh seasonal produce. The role involves managing a front-of-house team, maintaining standards, and delivering warm, welcoming dining experiences in our homes.

You will develop menus, bake from scratch, and ensure budgets and audits are completed while mentoring staff and driving continuous improvement. Training via our Chef Academy may be provided.

Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach with genuine interest in resident wellbeing
• Experience leading, motivating and inspiring a team
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and good nutrition understanding
• Ability to create a warm, welcoming environment in homes
• Confidence engaging with residents to craft appetising, nutritious menus
• Experience working with front of house to ensure high dining standards
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH
• Knowledge of IDDSI diet framework and training available if new to care

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team; develop and upskill as needed
• Menu development tailored to residents, delivering person-centred hospitality
• Use fresh produce to deliver high-quality dishes cooked to high standards
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch
• Assist front of house with dining area setup
• Work within budget; perform regular audits and manage stock control
• Create a warm, efficient and enjoyable environment
• Ongoing recruitment and retention; manage kitchen and front of house performance

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Nutrition knowledge

Front of house coordination

HACCP & COSHH

IDDSI dietary knowledge

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchens with a focus on high-quality, nutritious menus using fresh seasonal produce. The role involves managing a front-of-house team, maintaining standards, and delivering warm, welcoming dining experiences in our homes.

You will develop menus, bake from scratch, and ensure budgets and audits are completed while mentoring staff and driving continuous improvement. Training via our Chef Academy may be provided.