Lead Chef

📍 Southampton - New Forest Side, Hampshire

💷 Salary: Up to £35,000

⏰ Full Time | 5 Days out of 7 | Day Shifts Only

✅ Immediate Start Available

Looking for a Lead Chef Role with Your Evenings Free?

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established healthcare setting in Hythe, providing exceptional care and support to 59 residents. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Chef to take the lead in a rewarding kitchen environment where quality food plays a vital role in residents' wellbeing.

If you're looking to step away from late nights and split shifts while continuing to produce fresh, nutritious food, this could be the perfect next move.

What's on Offer?

✅ Salary up to £35,000

✅ Full-time permanent position

✅ Evenings off with sociable daytime hours

✅ 5 days out of 7 working pattern

✅ Opportunity to lead a stable and supportive kitchen team

✅ Make a genuine difference to residents every day

✅ Immediate start available

✅ Excellent work-life balance compared to traditional hospitality roles

The Role

As Lead Chef, you'll take responsibility for delivering high-quality meals for approximately 59 residents, ensuring food is nutritious, well-presented, and tailored to individual dietary needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day operation of the kitchen
• Preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious meals from scratch
• Planning and developing seasonal menus
• Managing special dietary requirements, allergens, and texture-modified diets
• Ordering stock and controlling food costs
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards
• Supporting and motivating kitchen team members
• Working closely with care staff to provide an exceptional dining experience
• Ensuring the kitchen remains clean, organised, and compliant at all times

About You

• Previous experience as a Lead Chef, Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef, Chef Manager, or similar
• Passion for producing high-quality, home-cooked food
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• Good understanding of food hygiene, allergens, and health & safety regulations
• Experience within healthcare, care homes, education, contract catering, hotels, pubs, or restaurants
• Ability to work independently and lead a team effectively
• A caring, professional, and resident-focused approach

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a caring and established healthcare provider where food is at the heart of the resident experience. You'll enjoy structured daytime hours, your evenings free, and the satisfaction of knowing your food has a positive impact on the lives of 59 residents every single day.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please get in touch today. Interviews are being arranged immediately. 🍽️👨‍🍳

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.