Location: Independent care home, Bristol
Rate: £15.68 per hour
Hours: Temporary; shifts and days vary | February and March Dates
Contract: Short-term temporary assignment
**Enhanced DBS required
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Temporary Head Chef – Independent Care Home, Bristol
Chefs for Chefs is recruiting an experienced Temporary Head Chef to lead kitchen operations at an independent care home in Bristol. This is a rewarding short-term role for a confident, reliable culinary professional who can deliver nutritious, well-presented meals tailored to residents' needs, maintain food safety and compliance, and support a small catering team in a care setting.
Role Overview
As Temporary Head Chef, you will oversee meal production and service, manage the kitchen during your shift, ensure dietary requirements and allergen needs are strictly followed, and maintain high standards of hygiene and record keeping. You will work closely with care staff and management to provide consistent, nutritious menus that meet residents' preferences and clinical guidance.
Key Responsibilities
* Plan, prepare, and present meals that meet residents' nutritional and dietary requirements, including texture-modified diets where required.
* Lead the kitchen team during shifts, ensuring clear communication, effective rota coverage, and smooth service.
* Ensure strict adherence to food hygiene, HACCP procedures, and allergen management at all times.
* Manage stock control, assist with ordering, monitor deliveries, and minimise food waste while controlling food costs.
* Maintain accurate records for menu planning, temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and dietary information.
* Support and coach junior kitchen staff, providing on-the-job training and practical guidance.
* Adapt menus and portioning to suit residents with specific clinical or cultural needs, and liaise with care team about individual requirements.
What We're Looking For
* Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Senior Chef, preferably with experience in care, healthcare, or contract catering.
* Sound knowledge of nutrition for older adults, special diets, and texture-modified food preparation.
* Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or equivalent) and strong allergen awareness; HACCP experience essential.
* Good leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage a small team and work alongside care staff.
* Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work reliably across varied shift patterns.
* Compassionate, patient, and respectful approach when working with vulnerable residents.
Working Details & Pay
* Location: Independent care home, Bristol
* Contract: Temporary assignment (length varies; immediate starts possible)
* Rate: £15.68 per hour (includes holiday pay where applicable)
Why Work With Us
Chefs for Chefs specialise in hospitality and care catering placements and support chefs through flexible, well-paid temporary work. We offer:
* Competitive hourly pay with reliable weekly payments.
* Flexible temporary assignments to suit availability.
* Opportunities to gain experience in care and contract catering environments.
* Chef-led office team who understand kitchen life and provide practical support.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced, dependable chef ready to take a Temporary Head Chef role in a Bristol care home, please contact Chefs for Chefs with an up-to-date CV and your availability. Suitable applicants will be contacted for an initial phone call and may be asked to attend a short interview or a trial shift.
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Chefs for Chefs is committed to equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexual orientation, or disability. We operate as both an employment agency and an employment business.