Head Chef

Job Summary

Darnford Rose Care Home is looking for an experienced, passionate and dedicated Head Chef to lead our catering team.

We can offer a full time role, 38 Hours per week and a competitive hourly rate of £17.00 per hour.

As our Head Chef, you'll play a vital role in enhancing the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our residents by creating delicious, nutritious meals that people genuinely look forward to. Leading a small kitchen team, you'll ensure the highest standards of food quality, hygiene and service while creating a welcoming dining experience tailored to each resident's individual needs and preferences.

If you're passionate about great food, leadership and making a real difference through exceptional hospitality, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As our Head Chef, you will:

• Plan, prepare and deliver fresh, nutritious meals that meet residents' dietary, nutritional and cultural requirements.
• Create varied and seasonal menus that promote health, wellbeing and resident choice.
• Lead, motivate and support the catering team, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality and service.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring it runs safely, efficiently and effectively.
• Monitor food quality, presentation and portion control to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
• Manage stock ordering, stock rotation and food budgets while minimising waste.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, HACCP, COSHH, Health & Safety and company policies.
• Maintain accurate food safety records, temperature checks and kitchen documentation.
• Liaise with residents, families and the wider care team to ensure individual dietary needs and preferences are met.
• Build positive relationships with suppliers to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality ingredients.
• Promote a clean, safe and welcoming kitchen environment while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience working as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or in a senior catering role.
• Holds a Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Has a strong understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety requirements.
• Has experience preparing meals for people with a range of dietary, nutritional and cultural requirements.
• Has experience managing stock, food budgets and kitchen resources effectively.
• Is confident leading, motivating and developing a kitchen team.
• Has excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
• Has previous experience working within a care home, healthcare or hospitality setting (desirable).
• Is passionate about delivering exceptional food and creating a positive dining experience for residents.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development.
• Career progression opportunities across our growing organisation.
• Supportive and friendly team environment.
• Free uniform.
• Paid mandatory training.
• DBS fee refunded.
• Annual leave equivalent to 5.6 weeks (inclusive of Bank Holidays).
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Free Blue Light Card.
• Access to on-demand pay and savings through our financial wellbeing app.

Ready to Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef looking to lead a kitchen where your food has a meaningful impact on residents' health, wellbeing and happiness every day. If you're passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences and leading a successful catering team, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the MACC Care family.