Head Chef: Lead Fresh Menus & Team with Autonomy

HealthJobs4U Ltd; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend scheme up to £500

Discounts with big brands

Free medical specialists access

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester is seeking a Head Chef to lead a kitchen and front of house team, delivering nutritious, flavoursome menus in line with hotel/restaurant standards. You will own kitchen operations, supervise staff development, and ensure a welcoming dining experience for residents.

The role emphasizes autonomy, seasonal menus, and ongoing training through the Barchester Chef Academy. This is a hands‑on, leadership position within a care home setting.

Qualifications

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents.
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team.
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and understanding of nutrition.
• The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment in our homes.
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising, nutritious menus.
• Experience with front of house teams and high dining standards.
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH.
• Knowledge around modified diets using IDDSI framework and training will be provided if needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team, develop and upskill where required.
• Menu development tailored to residents for person-centred hospitality.
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality dishes to the highest standards.
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch.
• Assist front of house with dining area setup.
• Work within budget, perform audits and manage stock.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment.
• Recruitment and retention of staff.
• Manage performance of kitchen and front of house teams.

Skills

People leadership

Menu development

Nutrition awareness

Front of house collaboration

HACCP/COSHH knowledge

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester is seeking a Head Chef to lead a kitchen and front of house team, delivering nutritious, flavoursome menus in line with hotel/restaurant standards. You will own kitchen operations, supervise staff development, and ensure a welcoming dining experience for residents.

The role emphasizes autonomy, seasonal menus, and ongoing training through the Barchester Chef Academy. This is a hands‑on, leadership position within a care home setting.