Head Cook – Care Home Kitchen Lead

About the role

We are seeking a Head Cook to lead the kitchen at Cedar Lodge Care Home in Taunton. You will be responsible for delivering high‑quality, nutritious meals for residents with complex physical and mental health needs, while ensuring a supportive and balanced work environment.

Key responsibilities

• Take full ownership of kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation and presentation.
• Manage stock control, ordering, budgeting and waste reduction to maintain cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and tailor meals to individual dietary requirements, including modified and specialist diets.
• Lead, train and develop a small kitchen team to achieve high performance and motivation.
• Maintain accurate records, conduct regular checks and uphold the highest standards of hygiene.

Required profile

• City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent, or working towards a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Proven experience leading or managing a kitchen in a care or hospitality setting.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Good understanding of dietary requirements and specialist diets.
• Proactive, reliable and quality‑focused attitude.

Required skills

What we offer

• £13.85 per hour, contracted 40 hours per week (8 am‑5 pm, alternate weekends).
• Paid DBS check, pension scheme, uniform and 5.6 weeks annual leave.
• No late evenings or split shifts, providing genuine work‑life balance.
• Ongoing training, development opportunities and clear career progression within a supportive environment.