Kitchen Manager / Head Chef

Avon Search; Calne; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daytime hours

Complimentary meals

Pension scheme

Induction programme

Training and development

Job summary

Avon Search is seeking a Kitchen Manager / Head Chef for a care home near Calne, offering no late nights and excellent daytime hours.

You will lead the kitchen team, craft nutritious menus, manage budgets, and uphold high hygiene standards while delivering outstanding resident dining experiences.

This role provides a supportive environment, opportunities for development, and a chance to make a real difference in residents' daily lives.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or Senior Chef.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience managing food budgets and stock control.
• Solid understanding of Food Hygiene, HACCP and Health & Safety legislation.
• Passion for preparing fresh, nutritious meals.
• Ability to create an enjoyable dining experience for older people.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations to deliver high-quality meals.
• Prepare delicious meals using fresh ingredients.
• Create varied menus accommodating dietary requirements.
• Manage food orders, stock and kitchen budgets.
• Maintain food hygiene and safety standards.
• Develop and motivate the kitchen team.
• Foster positive relationships with residents and families.
• Ensure efficient kitchen operation and outstanding service.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Food Hygiene

HACCP

Menu planning

People management

Job description

A Rare Opportunity for a Head Chef Looking for a Better Work-Life Balance

Are you an experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef looking for a rewarding role with no late nights, a fantastic working environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference?

Our client is seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Kitchen Manager / Head Chef to lead the catering team within their stunning, Grade II listed Care Home near Calne.

The home provides high-quality Nursing, Nursing Dementia, Residential and Enablement Care for up to 45 residents, and takes great pride in serving freshly prepared, nutritious meals that residents genuinely look forward to.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a highly respected care provider where quality food, resident wellbeing and staff development are at the heart of everything they do.

The Role

As Kitchen Manager, you’ll be responsible for delivering an exceptional dining experience while managing the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing delicious, home-cooked meals using fresh, high-quality ingredients
• Creating varied, nutritious menus that cater for individual dietary requirements and preferences
• Ensuring all food is prepared and presented to the highest standards
• Managing food ordering, stock control and kitchen budgets
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene, Health & Safety and Environmental Health standards
• Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
• Building positive relationships with residents, families and colleagues
• Ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently while delivering an outstanding service every day

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or Senior Chef
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Experience managing food budgets and stock control
• A strong understanding of Food Hygiene, HACCP and Health & Safety legislation
• A genuine passion for preparing fresh, nutritious meals
• The ability to create an enjoyable dining experience for older people

Experience within a care home, healthcare or hospitality environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary of c£30,000 per annum
• Excellent daytime working hours
• No late-night finishes
• Complimentary meals, refreshments and snacks during your shift
• Comprehensive induction programme
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Access to modern kitchen equipment and facilities
• Company contributory pension scheme
• Long-term career progression opportunities
• Supportive management team and friendly working environment
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to residents’ daily lives

Why Join This Provider?

This is much more than a Head Chef position.

You’ll have the opportunity to create enjoyable dining experiences that bring comfort, pleasure and familiarity to residents every day. You’ll be part of a caring, supportive team that values quality, compassion and teamwork just as highly as excellent food.

If you’re looking for a role where your culinary skills are genuinely appreciated, your work-life balance is respected, and you can make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

NO SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE WITH THIS ROLE