Head Cook

Gowrie House Care Home; Kirkcaldy; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Gowrie House Care Home is seeking a Head Cook to lead the kitchen team and prepare nutritious meals for residents. Offering a full-time role with a supportive environment and opportunities for growth, the position demands strong culinary skills and a passion for quality care. Key responsibilities include menu planning and staff management in a warm, welcoming setting.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Paid PVG

Free uniform

Onsite parking

5.6 weeks annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Cook or Chef in a care setting.
• Understanding of dietary requirements for older people.
• Good leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations and staff supervision.
• Plan menus and ensure meals meet dietary needs of residents.
• Maintain kitchen safety and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Understanding of dietary requirements

Menu planning

Stock management

Education

City & Guilds 706 1 & 2 or equivalent catering qualifications

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

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Catering and Hospitality - Gowrie House Care Home

Contract: Full Time
Salary: £14.00 Per Hour
Shift type: Days
Contracted hours: Full Time

Gowrie House is a warm and welcoming care home in the heart of Kirkcaldy, East Central Scotland. Our 60-bed home provides high-quality Residential, Nursing, Dementia and Respite care, with a focus on comfort, dignity and wellbeing.

We are now looking for a talented and experienced Head Cook to take the lead in our kitchen and ensure our residents enjoy well-balanced, nutritious and delicious meals every day.

What We Offer

• £14.00 per hour
• Full-time contract
• Pension scheme, paid PVG, free uniform and onsite parking
• 5.6 weeks annual leave (based on full-time contract)
• A supportive environment with scope to develop your leadership skills

Your Role
As Head Cook, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring every meal is thoughtfully prepared and tailored to meet our residents’ dietary needs. You will lead by example, supervise kitchen staff, plan menus, and maintain a safe and compliant kitchen environment.

You will also play an important part in creating a warm dining experience for our residents, where mealtimes are something to be enjoyed.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Head Cook or Chef, ideally in a care setting or similar environment
• Strong understanding of dietary requirements and menu planning for older people
• City & Guilds 706 1 & 2 or equivalent catering qualifications
• Food Hygiene Certificate and understanding of HACCP procedures
• Good leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage stock, budgets, and kitchen administration confidently
• A genuine passion for food and a desire to make a positive impact

About Us
Gowrie House is part of Belsize Healthcare, a family-owned, market-leading care group with over 100 homes across the UK. We are passionate about delivering exceptional care and creating an inclusive, supportive environment where our team members can flourish.

Our five core values — Trust, Respect, Passion, Kindness, and Inclusivity — define everything we do. If these values matter to you too, we would love to welcome you to our kitchen.