Head Chef - Care Home

About the role

Join Barchester Healthcare as a Head Chef in a modern care home environment, delivering hotel‑standard meals without split shifts or long hours. You will create nutritious, flavourful menus tailored to residents' needs while leading a dedicated kitchen team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire the kitchen and front‑of‑house team, managing performance and recruitment.
• Develop person‑centred menus using fresh, seasonal produce and accommodate modified diets.
• Prepare baked goods, cakes, scones and breads from scratch.
• Assist the front‑of‑house team with dining area set‑up and ensure high standards.
• Manage budgets, conduct regular audits, and maintain stock control.
• Uphold food safety standards, including HACCP and COSHH compliance.

Required profile

• Warm, personable approach with a genuine interest in residents' wellbeing.
• City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent culinary qualification.
• Proven experience leading and developing kitchen teams.
• Strong understanding of nutrition and seasonal cooking.
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appealing menus.

Required skills

• HACCP knowledge.
• COSHH knowledge.
• IDDSI framework for modified diets.

What we offer

• 4/5 day work week with alternate weekends only.
• Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for a good or outstanding CQC inspection.
• Refer‑a‑Friend scheme paying up to £500 per successful referral.
• Retail and leisure discounts with major brands.
• Free access to medical specialists, counselling and legal services.
• Tax code review service and monthly staff lottery.