Head Chef – Care Home

About the role

As Head Chef at a Barchester care home, you will lead a kitchen team to deliver hotel‑standard meals for residents while enjoying a balanced work‑life schedule with four to five days on site and alternate weekends off.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen and front‑of‑house teams.
• Design and tailor nutritious, person‑centred menus using fresh, seasonal produce.
• Prepare baked goods, cakes, scones and breads from scratch.
• Set up dining areas in collaboration with front‑of‑house staff.
• Manage budgets, conduct regular audits, and control stock levels.
• Recruit, retain and manage performance of kitchen staff.

Required profile

• Warm, personable approach with a genuine interest in resident wellbeing.
• City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent culinary qualification.
• Proven experience leading and inspiring a kitchen team.
• Understanding of nutrition and ability to work with modified diets (IDDSI framework).
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appealing menus.

Required skills

• HACCP food‑safety knowledge.
• COSHH compliance.
• IDDSI framework for modified diets.
• Menu development.
• Budget management.
• Stock control.

What we offer

• Four‑day work week with alternate weekends.
• Performance bonus up to £500 for outstanding CQC inspections.
• Referral scheme paying up to £500 per successful hire.
• Retail, leisure and travel discounts.
• Free access to medical specialists, counselling and legal services.
• Tax code review and staff lottery.