Head Chef - Lead Kitchen, Fresh Menus, Balanced Hours

Barchester Healthcare; Ludlow; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Refer a Friend bonus up to £500

Discounts on retail and travel

Medical specialists access

Counselling and legal services

Tax Code Review Service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester is seeking a Head Chef to lead and inspire a kitchen team within our care homes. You will develop menus tailored to residents, work with fresh seasonal produce to deliver high-quality, nutritious dishes, and bake items from scratch.

You’ll manage budgets, perform audits, and ensure a warm dining experience. The role emphasizes staff development, recruitment, and maintaining high standards in hospitality and nutrition.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and inspiring a kitchen team.
• Ability to create nutritious menus tailored to residents.
• Experience with fresh seasonal ingredients and nutrition awareness.
• Strong HACCP/COSHH knowledge for kitchen operations.
• Knowledge of IDDSI guidelines for modified diets.
• Ability to foster a warm, welcoming dining environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and upskill kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Develop menus tailored to residents’ needs.
• Work with fresh produce to cook high-quality dishes.
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch.
• Support dining area setup and hospitality standards.
• Manage budgets, conduct audits and stock control.
• Create a warm, efficient environment and retain staff.
• Oversee recruitment and performance of the kitchen team.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Budgeting

Nutrition knowledge

HACCP & COSHH

IDDSI framework

Resident wellbeing focus

Communication with residents

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester is seeking a Head Chef to lead and inspire a kitchen team within our care homes. You will develop menus tailored to residents, work with fresh seasonal produce to deliver high-quality, nutritious dishes, and bake items from scratch.

You’ll manage budgets, perform audits, and ensure a warm dining experience. The role emphasizes staff development, recruitment, and maintaining high standards in hospitality and nutrition.