Overview
Job summary: This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and qualified Head Chef to join Barchester Healthcare, a leading provider of residential care homes in the UK. As the Head Chef, you will have the chance to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without the split shifts and long hours, with full autonomy in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well-balanced menus for the residents.
Job responsibilities
* Lead, motivate and inspire a team, develop and upskill where required
* Menu development, tailoring around residents to ensure we deliver person-centred hospitality
* Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality and wholesome dishes cooked to the highest standards
* Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch
* Assist the front of house team with setting up the dining areas
* Work within budget, complete regular audits and stock control
* Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
* Ongoing recruitment and retention
* Managing the performance of the kitchen team and front of house
Your Benefits and Rewards
* Working days and alternate weekends only, across 4/5 days a week
* Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
* Unlimited access to Refer a Friend scheme, earning up to £500 per referral
* Discounts with major brands, supermarkets and travel companies
* Free access to medical specialists for second opinions
* Confidential and free access to counselling and legal services
* Tax Code Review Service to check your tax code
* Option to join the monthly staff lottery
Your Experience and Qualifications
* A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents
* City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification
* Experience in leading, motivating and inspiring a team
* Experience of working with fresh seasonal food with a good understanding of nutrition
* Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our homes
* Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
* Experience working with a front of house team to ensure the restaurants are set up to a high standard
* Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH
* Knowledge around modified diets using the IDDSI framework
Your Role and Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate and inspire a team, develop and upskill where required
* Menu development, tailoring around residents to ensure we deliver person-centred hospitality
* Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality and wholesome dishes cooked to the highest standards
* Bake fresh cakes, scones and breads from scratch
* Assist the front of house team with setting up the dining areas
* Work within budget, complete regular audits and stock control
* Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
* Ongoing recruitment and retention
* Managing the performance of the kitchen team and front of house
Barchester Healthcare is a leading provider of residential care homes in the UK, driven by quality and high standards. They are committed to providing their residents with exceptional care and support, and their chefs play a crucial role in delivering this.
Details
* Date posted: 27 August 2025
* Pay scheme: Other
* Salary: £19.50 an hour
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
* Reference number: 1370335883
* Job locations: Barchester Healthcare, Taunton, TA1 5HF
Disclosure and background checks
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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