Head Chef – Care Home (Horsham)

About the role

Join Barchester Healthcare as a Head Chef in a care‑home setting, delivering hotel‑standard meals while enjoying a balanced work‑life schedule. You will lead a kitchen team, create nutritious menus for residents and ensure a warm dining experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen and front‑of‑house team.
• Design resident‑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 maintain stock control.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, COSHH and IDDSI standards.
• Recruit, retain and manage performance of kitchen staff.

Required profile

• Personable, warm approach with a genuine interest in resident wellbeing.
• Qualified culinary professional (City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent).
• Experience leading and inspiring a kitchen team.
• Understanding of nutrition and ability to tailor menus to individual needs.
• Confidence engaging with residents and creating a welcoming environment.

Required skills

• City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ culinary qualification.
• HACCP and COSHH knowledge.
• IDDSI framework for modified diets.
• Menu development and nutrition planning.
• Budgeting and stock control.
• Baking from scratch.
• Handling fresh seasonal food.

What we offer

• Full‑time role (4/5 days a week) with alternate weekends.
• Reward bonuses up to £500 for outstanding CQC inspections.
• Referral scheme, retail & leisure discounts, free medical and counselling services.
• Tax code review and monthly staff lottery.