Head Chef – Lead Kitchen, Fresh Menus & Team Growth

Barchester Healthcare; Frimley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4/5 day week

CQC bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend bonus up to £500

Discounts and lifestyle perks

Medical specialists access

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review

Staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a proactive Head Chef to lead kitchen operations across our homes. You will craft menus using fresh seasonal produce, manage a skilled kitchen and front-of-house team, and uphold high standards of nutrition and hospitality.

You’ll drive training, maintain HACCP and COSHH practices, and control budgets while delivering warm, appetising meals to residents and guests across settings.

Qualifications

• Qualified chef with City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience leading a team in a kitchen.
• Knowledge of fresh seasonal produce and nutrition.

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 to 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 development

Stock control

Budgeting

Nutrition knowledge

HACCP

COSHH

Front of house coordination

Residents engagement

Training & development

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is seeking a proactive Head Chef to lead kitchen operations across our homes. You will craft menus using fresh seasonal produce, manage a skilled kitchen and front-of-house team, and uphold high standards of nutrition and hospitality.

You’ll drive training, maintain HACCP and COSHH practices, and control budgets while delivering warm, appetising meals to residents and guests across settings.