Head Chef — Lead Fresh, Resident-Centric Menus

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited; Fareham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to £500 for CQC excellence

Refer a Friend scheme £500+

Discounts with brands & travel

Access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Barchester Chef Academy access

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited in Fareham is seeking a Head Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen and front-of-house team, delivering nutritious, seasonal menus while maintaining high standards across our care homes.

You'll recruit and develop staff, manage budgets, and collaborate with the Chef Academy to elevate culinary skills and resident dining experiences. A welcoming atmosphere and resident-focused cuisine are at the core of this role.

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 of 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

Team leadership

Menu planning

Nutrition knowledge

Fresh seasonal food

HACCP

COSHH

IDDSI principles

FOH coordination

Resident engagement

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited in Fareham is seeking a Head Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen and front-of-house team, delivering nutritious, seasonal menus while maintaining high standards across our care homes.

You'll recruit and develop staff, manage budgets, and collaborate with the Chef Academy to elevate culinary skills and resident dining experiences. A welcoming atmosphere and resident-focused cuisine are at the core of this role.