Job Description

ID - 1819

Position:

Head Chef

Salary:

14.00/ hour

Shift Pattern:

Fulltime

Location:

Colchester CO5

Job Summary

The Head Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that meet the dietary requirements and preferences of residents. This role involves managing the kitchen team, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the kitchen in line with health and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and prepare well-balanced, appealing meals that cater to residents' dietary needs, preferences, and cultural or medical requirements. Manage all aspects of the kitchen, including menu planning, stock control, ordering, and budgeting. Lead, motivate, and supervise kitchen staff to maintain high standards of food preparation and hygiene. Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, health and safety, and environmental health standards. Oversee portion control and presentation to ensure consistency and quality. Maintain records of food temperatures, deliveries, and cleaning schedules in line with audit requirements. Collaborate with care staff to adapt meals for residents with specific dietary needs such as diabetic, vegetarian, or texture-modified diets. Conduct regular kitchen audits and risk assessments, implementing improvements where necessary. Manage kitchen rotas and training to ensure adequate coverage and skill development among staff. Work within set budgets while minimizing waste and maintaining quality standards.

Qualifications and Experience

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent catering qualification). Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (essential). Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef, ideally within a care home, healthcare, or hospitality setting. Strong knowledge of nutrition, food allergens, and special dietary needs. Excellent leadership, organization, and communication skills.

Personal Attributes

Passionate about providing nutritious and enjoyable meals for residents. Reliable, organized, and able to work under pressure. Committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and professionalism. Approachable and team-oriented, with a caring attitude toward residents and colleagues.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Application question(s):

When are you available for an interview? How soon can you join us? Do you have Level 3 in Food Hygiene ? Do you have experience working as a Head Chef within a Care Home? Do you need a Sponsorship for fulltime job? Do you have IDDSI framework level ?
Work Location: In person