Head Chef - Lead Kitchen, Fresh Meals & Work-Life Balance

Care Concern Group; Romford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£18.00 per hour

Contracted to 40 hours per week

Paid DBS, pension, uniform provided

5.6 weeks annual leave

No late evenings or split shifts

Job summary

Willows Care Home in Romford is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen, delivering nutritious, high quality meals tailored to residents’ needs. You will drive menu planning, stock control and budget management, while maintaining food safety and a patient‑focused dining experience.

You will lead a team, foster development, and ensure consistent quality with a strong emphasis on workplace balance and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a kitchen environment.
• Compliance with food safety and dietary requirements.
• Proactive approach to quality and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the kitchen and lead from the front to deliver high quality meals.
• Drive all kitchen operations: menu planning, food prep, stock control and compliance.
• Manage budgets, waste reduction and supplier relationships.
• Lead and develop the kitchen team to a high performing standard.

Skills

Proven experience leading or managing

Strong leadership

Dietary requirements and food safety

Proactive, reliable and quality focus

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Willows Care Home in Romford is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen, delivering nutritious, high quality meals tailored to residents’ needs. You will drive menu planning, stock control and budget management, while maintaining food safety and a patient‑focused dining experience.

You will lead a team, foster development, and ensure consistent quality with a strong emphasis on workplace balance and efficiency.