Head Chef – Care Home (Lymm)

About the role

Join Barchester Healthcare as a Head Chef in a care home setting, delivering hotel‑standard cuisine while enjoying a balanced work‑life schedule. You will lead a kitchen team, create nutritious menus for residents, and uphold the highest culinary standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen and front‑of‑house team.
• Develop person‑centred menus using fresh, seasonal produce and adapt them for modified diets (IDDSI).
• Prepare baked goods from scratch, ensuring high culinary standards.
• Set up dining areas with the front‑of‑house team and maintain a welcoming environment.
• Manage budgets, conduct regular audits, and control stock levels.
• Oversee recruitment, retention and performance management of staff.

Required profile

• Qualified chef with City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Experience leading and inspiring a kitchen team in a care or hospitality setting.
• Strong understanding of nutrition and fresh seasonal cooking.
• Ability to engage with residents and create appealing, nutritious menus.

Required skills

• HACCP compliance.
• COSHH awareness.
• Knowledge of the IDDSI framework for modified diets.

What we offer

• Four‑day work week with alternate weekends (4/5 days).
• Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection.
• Referral scheme paying up to £500 per successful hire.
• Access to retail, leisure and travel discounts.
• Free medical specialist consultations, counselling and legal services.
• Tax code review and monthly staff lottery.