Lead Care Home Kitchen Chef: Nutritious Seasonal Menus

Blue Arrow; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident Employer

Job summary

Blue Arrow is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the catering operation within a care home in Basingstoke. You will create nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.

You will manage a busy kitchen team, design seasonal menus, control stock and budgets, and foster a culture of care and excellence, delivering an outstanding dining experience every day for residents and staff.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Level 2 Health & Safety qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a senior catering position.
• Good standard of spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop the kitchen team, promoting a positive and supportive working environment.
• Design nutritious, balanced, and seasonal menus that cater for a range of dietary needs and preferences.
• Ensure all meals are prepared and presented to a consistently high standard.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and food cost budgets effectively.
• Reduce waste while maintaining food quality and portion consistency.
• Oversee kitchen rotas and staffing levels to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and CQC-related catering standards.
• Ensure all kitchen documentation and compliance records are completed accurately.
• Train and support team members in food safety, allergens, and best practice procedures.
• Build positive relationships with residents, care staff, and families to ensure individual dietary needs are met.
• Support special events, themed dining experiences, and celebrations within the home.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Food safety

Budget management

Team management

Communication

Resident-focused care

Education

Level 2 Food Safety

Level 2 Health & Safety

NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery

City & Guilds Catering

Job description

Blue Arrow is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the catering operation within a care home in Basingstoke. You will create nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.

You will manage a busy kitchen team, design seasonal menus, control stock and budgets, and foster a culture of care and excellence, delivering an outstanding dining experience every day for residents and staff.