Lead Head Chef: Autonomy, Growth & Balanced Hours

Barchester Healthcare; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible rota

Bonus up to £500

Refer a Friend up to £500

Staff discounts

Healthcare access

Counselling services

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare in the West Midlands is recruiting a Head Chef to lead a dedicated kitchen team, delivering hotel and restaurant standards within a care home setting. You will develop menus around residents' preferences, use fresh seasonal ingredients, and ensure high-quality, nutritious meals.

The role offers an balanced rota with weekends on offer and opportunities for professional development through our Chef Academy.

Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach with genuine care for residents.
• City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience leading, motivating and inspiring a team.
• Experience with fresh seasonal food and understanding of nutrition.
• Ability to create a warm, welcoming environment in homes.
• Confidence engaging with residents to tailor appetising menus.
• Experience working with front-of-house to maintain high dining standards.
• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH.
• Knowledge of modified diets using IDDSI (training provided if new to care).

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire a team, develop and upskill where required.
• Menu development tailored around residents to ensure person-centred hospitality.
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality and wholesome dishes.
• Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch.
• Assist the front of house team with setting up 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

Budget management

Food quality

Front-of-house collaboration

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Tools

HACCP

COSHH

Job description

Barchester Healthcare in the West Midlands is recruiting a Head Chef to lead a dedicated kitchen team, delivering hotel and restaurant standards within a care home setting. You will develop menus around residents' preferences, use fresh seasonal ingredients, and ensure high-quality, nutritious meals.

The role offers an balanced rota with weekends on offer and opportunities for professional development through our Chef Academy.