Head Chef - Willett House Nursing Home, Chislehurst Location: Chislehurst, Kent, South East London BR7 6LT Salary: £31,680.26 per annum Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Employer: Mission Care
About Willett House Nursing Home
Situated in South East London, Willett House is a 37-bed residential care home providing specialist nursing care and dementia care to elderly residents in the Bromley area. Our thoughtfully-designed, two-story haven caters to the distinct needs of our residents. Willett House consists of four intimate wings each feature their own lounge, dining area, accessible bathrooms, nursing office, and kitchenette. At Willett House, our residents are at the heart of everything we do.
Benefits Package: Competitive salary for care home catering leadership role Comprehensive learning and development opportunities Free DBS Check Free meals on shift Pension scheme Life insurance 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
Head Chef Job Overview We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at our Chislehurst care home. This is a hands-on catering management role where you'll create nutritious, home-cooked meals for elderly residents, including those with dementia and special dietary requirements.
This role would suit: Head Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, Care Home Cook, Hospital Cook, Healthcare Catering Manager, Catering Supervisor, Senior Cook, School Cook, or Hospitality Supervisor looking to transition into a rewarding care home environment.
Key Responsibilities for Head Chef: Lead and manage kitchen team including cooks and catering assistants in a care home setting Prepare and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals for elderly residents with varying dietary needs Ensure IDDSI compliance for texture-modified meals and special diets Maintain food hygiene standards (Level 3) and HACCP protocols Menu planning and cost-effective stock management with Catering Manager Create a homely dining experience for nursing home residents Supervise food service and assist residents at mealtimes Train and support kitchen staff in care home catering best practices
Essential Requirements: Minimum 3 years' experience as a cook in a care home kitchen (or similar healthcare catering environment) Supervisory or team leader experience preferred Current IDDSI training certificate (texture-modified food for elderly/dementia residents) Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3 HACCP Level 3 qualification Passion for working with elderly people and dementia residents Excellent communication skills with residents, families, and multidisciplinary teams Person-centred care approach
About Mission Care
Mission Care is an established Christian charity providing residential care, nursing care, and dementia care across five care homes in South London (Bromley and Dulwich). With almost 120 years' experience in elderly care, we deliver exceptional person-centred care guided by our values of good stewardship, individuality, creativity, and honesty.
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