Head Chef
Reports To: Care Home Manager
Hours: Flexible according to service needs, including weekends and public holidays Job Purpose To oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring the delivery of nutritious, appealing, and well-balanced meals for residents, visitors, and employees. The Head Chef will be responsible for maintaining high culinary standards, adhering to food safety regulations, managing food budgets, and catering for a range of dietary needs within a residential care setting. Key Responsibilities Food Preparation and Service
- Design, prepare, cook, and present meals in line with agreed menus and nutritional standards.
- Create varied and seasonal menus that reflect residents' preferences and dietary requirements.
- Provide meals suitable for specialist diets including diabetic, vegetarian, vegan, allergy-aware, texture-modified, and culturally specific requirements.
- Ensure food is served punctually and presented attractively.
- Regularly review food quality, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
Kitchen Leadership
- Manage, coach, and inspire members of the kitchen team.
- Prepare staff schedules to ensure adequate kitchen cover.
- Deliver training and guidance on food safety procedures and best practices.
- Foster a positive, supportive, and professional working culture.
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Maintain outstanding food hygiene standards in accordance with HACCP principles and current food safety legislation.
- Ensure all storage, preparation, and service areas remain clean, safe, and inspection-ready.
- Complete all required food safety documentation accurately and on time.
- Manage allergen controls and ensure food is labelled correctly where required.
- Comply with company health & safety procedures and policies at all times.
Stock and Cost Management
- Order food, consumables, and kitchen supplies within budget guidelines.
- Maintain effective stock rotation procedures and reduce unnecessary waste.
- Build positive supplier relationships while ensuring value-for-money purchasing.
- Carry out routine stock checks and maintain accurate inventory records.
Resident Dining Experience
- Engage regularly with residents to gather feedback and understand dining preferences.
- Support themed events, celebrations, and special occasion catering within the home.
- Help create an enjoyable dining experience that supports residents' health and wellbeing.
Skills and Experience Essential
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar leadership role.
- Experience preparing meals for large groups within care, healthcare, hospitality, or catering environments.
- Sound knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements for older people.
- Strong leadership, planning, and organisational abilities.
- Level 2 Food Safety qualification or above.
- Comprehensive understanding of HACCP and food hygiene standards.
- Experience managing food budgets and controlling kitchen costs.
- Enhanced DBS check, or willingness to obtain one.
Desirable
- Previous experience within a residential care home or healthcare setting.
- Professional catering qualification such as NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery, or equivalent.
- COSHH knowledge and additional health & safety training.
Personal Attributes
- Compassionate and resident-focused approach.
- Passionate about producing excellent food and service.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Dependable, adaptable, and calm under pressure.
- Excellent attention to cleanliness, detail, and quality standards.
- Creative mindset with enthusiasm for menu planning and development.
Benefits
- Competitive salary package.
- Company pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
- Supportive and rewarding working environment.
Our home is dedicated to providing residents with nutritious, enjoyable meals that positively contribute to their quality of life. The Head Chef is central to delivering an exceptional dining experience while maintaining the highest catering and hospitality standards.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.