Head Chef

Crystal Care Homes (2) Limited; Bourne (MA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction training

Uniform

Blue Light Card

Enhanced DBS check

Refer a Friend bonus

Pay Day Breakfast

Free meal on shift

Career development

Progression opportunities

Job summary

Crystal Care Collection invites applications for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in a care home setting. You will plan nutritious menus, supervise staff, and manage budgets while ensuring high standards of safety and hygiene.

You will work closely with residents and relatives to tailor meals, maintain compliance with health regulations, and drive ongoing improvements in dining experiences across the home.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Chef in care, hospitality, or healthcare settings.
• Passion for creating high-quality meals that make a difference for residents.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Understanding of nutritional requirements and modified diets for older people.
• Excellent organisational and budget management abilities.
• High standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals catering to residents' preferences and dietary needs.
• Lead and develop the kitchen team, fostering a positive working environment.
• Manage budgets, food ordering and stock to maintain quality and control costs.
• Ensure HACCP, Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and Environmental Health compliance.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and kitchen cleanliness.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu planning

Food safety

Budget control

Education

Culinary qualification or equivalent

Job description

Create Exceptional Dining Experiences That Make a Difference

Are you an experienced Chef looking for a rewarding opportunity where your passion for food can genuinely improve people's lives?

At Crystal Care Collection, we believe that great food is at the heart of great care. Our homes are designed to provide residents with a luxury living experience, and exceptional dining plays a vital role in making every day enjoyable.

We're looking for a talented and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, delivering delicious, nutritious meals while creating a warm and welcoming dining experience for our residents.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you'll take overall responsibility for the smooth running of the kitchen, leading and developing your team while ensuring every meal is prepared to the highest standards of quality, nutrition and presentation.

You'll work closely with residents, relatives and colleagues to create varied menus that reflect individual tastes, preferences and dietary requirements, helping to make every mealtime something to look forward to.

Alongside managing the catering budget and stock control, you'll ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and in full compliance with food hygiene legislation.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals that cater to residents' preferences, cultural requirements and special dietary needs.

Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.

Manage kitchen operations, budgets and food ordering to ensure excellent quality while controlling costs.

Ensure compliance with HACCP, Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and Environmental Health regulations at all times.

Implement and monitor cleaning schedules, maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen.

Oversee stock control and rotation, ensuring ingredients are fresh, stored correctly and ordered from approved suppliers.

Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained in safe working order and report any repairs promptly.

Support the recruitment, induction and ongoing development of catering team members alongside the General Manager.

Regularly engage with residents and relatives to gather feedback and continuously improve the dining experience.

Attend team meetings and contribute to the overall success of the home.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

Has previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef, ideally within care, hospitality or healthcare.

Is passionate about creating high-quality meals that make a positive difference.

Has strong leadership and people management skills.

Understands nutritional requirements and modified diets for older people.

Has excellent organisational and budget management abilities.

Maintains exceptionally high standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety.

Is approachable, flexible and committed to delivering outstanding service.

Working Pattern

7:00am – 6:00pm

Permanent rolling rota of three consecutive shifts on followed by three consecutive shifts off

Average 38.5 hours per week

Pay

Pool 1: £17.68 per hour

What We Offer

Full induction training programme

Fully funded uniform

Fully funded Blue Light Card

Fully funded Enhanced DBS check

Refer a Friend bonus scheme

Pay Day Breakfast

Free meal on shift

Ongoing training and career development opportunities

Supportive management team with opportunities for progression

Join Our Team

If you're a creative and dedicated chef who takes pride in producing exceptional food while leading a successful kitchen team, we'd love to hear from you.

Your cooking won't just nourish our residents – it will enhance their wellbeing, bring people together and help make our home a truly special place to live.

We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.