Head Chef - Luxury Care Home Opening, Shape Dining

St Mary's Care Homes; North East; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Supportive leadership

Job summary

St Mary's Care Group is opening Bowburn Manor in Durham and seeks a Head Chef to lead a luxury kitchen. You will shape the dining culture, recruit and develop a team, and ensure exceptional meals using fresh seasonal ingredients.

You will oversee menus, dietary requirements, HACCP and safety standards while maintaining cost controls and high quality in a welcoming, resident‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef or Chef Manager experience in a luxury care home setting.
• Strong knowledge of nutrition, allergens and dietary requirements.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• NVQ Level 3 Catering or equivalent qualification.
• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene certification.
• Focussing on Nutrition course by Durham County Council.

Responsibilities

• Deliver nutritious, appetising and well presented meals daily.
• Shape the resident dining experience with personalised menus.
• Lead and develop a kitchen team to maintain excellence.
• Maintain high standards in food hygiene and safety (HACCP, COSHH).
• Manage ordering, stock levels and food budgets effectively.
• Foster a positive culture where colleagues feel valued.
• Help build Bowburn Manor's regional reputation.

Skills

Head Chef Leadership

Team Leadership

Nutrition Knowledge

Allergens & Diets

Organisation & Communication

Passion for Dining

Education

NVQ Level 3 Catering

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Nutrition Focus Course

Tools

HACCP

COSHH

Health & Safety

Job description

St Mary's Care Group is opening Bowburn Manor in Durham and seeks a Head Chef to lead a luxury kitchen. You will shape the dining culture, recruit and develop a team, and ensure exceptional meals using fresh seasonal ingredients.

You will oversee menus, dietary requirements, HACCP and safety standards while maintaining cost controls and high quality in a welcoming, resident‑focused environment.