Regional Chef

Kingsley Healthcare Group; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home group is seeking a Regional Chef to oversee culinary operations across various locations in Southern England. The successful candidate will be charged with creating menus tailored to residents' dietary needs, ensuring high standards in food safety and hygiene, and mentoring kitchen staff. Exceptional leadership and culinary skills are essential in delivering top-quality care while engaging with residents to enhance their dining experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction and training programme

Employee Assistance Programme

Blue Light Card Scheme

Career development opportunities

Commuting mileage reimbursement

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a chef, ideally in care homes or healthcare.
• Strong understanding of dietary requirements and allergens.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal menus that match residents’ dietary preferences.
• Train and support kitchen staff in safety compliance.
• Conduct regular audits of kitchens for quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

Dietary Knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery

Job description

About The Company

At Kingsley Healthcare, we are more than just a care home group - we are a proud, family-run business driven by a passion to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every single day. Our dedicated teams transform care into a calling, delivering excellence with compassion, integrity, and respect.

As the UK’s only large care home provider to achieve B Corp certification, we continue to lead the sector in responsible, values-driven care. In 2024 and again in 2025, we were honoured to be named Health Investor’s Residential Elderly Large Care Provider of the Year, a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation.

For eight consecutive years, we’ve been recognised among the Top 20 Large UK Care Home Groups by carehome.co.uk, reflecting consistently high standards and resident satisfaction. We are also proud to be a Real Living Wage employer, ensuring that the dedication of our team members is valued and fairly rewarded.

Our commitment to people-first values has earned us outstanding workplace recognition, including a 4.7 rating on Glassdoor, a 4.5 rating on Indeed, and the No.1 ranking in the UK for wellbeing at work (Indeed’s Better Work Awards 2023).

If you're passionate about delivering exceptional care and want to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that puts both its residents and people at the heart of everything it does, we’d love to hear from you.

About The Role

As a Regional Chef, you will take charge of culinary operations across several of our care homes in the South. Based at Branksome Heights, your role will also encompass homes in Christchurch, and Weymouth. Collaborating closely with local kitchen teams, you will ensure that every meal is crafted to the highest standards, meeting residents' dietary requirements and personal preferences with care and precision.

Reports to: Operations Manager

Key duties and responsibilities

• Develop seasonal menus that are nutritious, varied, and tailored to residents’ dietary needs and preferences.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure kitchens operate efficiently and meet quality standards.
• Train and support kitchen staff in food preparation, hygiene, and safety compliance.
• Monitor food safety regulations, perform audits, and address complaints or issues promptly.
• Manage budgets, minimise waste, and source high-quality ingredients from approved suppliers.
  
  

Skills and attributes

• Extensive experience as a chef, ideally in care homes, healthcare, or similar environments.
• Strong understanding of dietary requirements, including allergens, fortified diets, and dysphagia management.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing and training teams.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
• Conduct regular kitchen audits to uphold consistency and quality.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and minimise food waste.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source high-quality, cost-effective ingredients.
• Engage with residents and staff to gather feedback and adapt menus accordingly.
  
  

Education and qualification

• Professional culinary qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery).
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly within the region.
  
  

What will you gain?

You will have the satisfaction of working with and being supported by an enthusiastic and caring team that puts people at the heart of the business. We know the happiness of our staff improves the service we give our residents. You will have plenty of opportunities to learn and develop your skills, and we have the procedures and processes in place to help you at every step.

• Branksome Heights Care Home, Bournemouth, Dorset
• Pay:: £15 per hour
• Type: Permanent
• Shift: Days
  
  

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and training programme.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card Scheme. We’ll reimburse the enrolment fee of this fantastic scheme that offers discounts on holidays, days out and over 15,000 national brands.
• Refer a friend and receive a thank you gift of up to £500 *
• We’ll pay for your full DBS disclosure
• Commuting mileage reimbursement *
  
  

Location

Situated near Bournemouth’s charming Upper Gardens, Branksome Heights is an oasis of calm. The stylish 45-bed home is renowned for the quality of its luxurious furnishings and the beauty of its décor, and residents will love their comfortable, contemporary bedrooms.

44 Branksome Wood Road, Bournemouth BH4 9LA

Your right to work in the UK

In accordance with the Asylum and immigration Act 2006 you will need to demonstrate your eligibility for employment in the United Kingdom.