Overview
As a Head Chef at HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything you do. It’s a quality that touches every part of life in our Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Specialist care homes. Residents are individuals with their own life stories, and joining HC-One offers the opportunity to give something meaningful back through care and commitment. You’ll inspire your kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that Residents will genuinely enjoy, supporting health and wellbeing by considering individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements. You’ll manage the kitchen efficiently—overseeing stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP—and work with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence while running a smooth operation. You’ll help shape mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences, because great food in a welcoming environment can make a real difference to Residents’ quality of life.
Responsibilities
* Lead and motivate the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that meet Residents’ health and wellbeing needs.
* Ensure hygiene and safety at all times; manage stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with food safety standards (HACCP).
* Collaborate with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence and a well-organised kitchen operation.
* Shape mealtimes into enjoyable dining experiences in a welcoming environment.
Qualifications
* An S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery
* A minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
* A good understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
Personal qualities
* Energy, leadership, and the ability to motivate others
* Organisation, planning ahead, and commitment to delivering excellent service
* Kindness, consideration, and a commitment to making HC-One care homes a great place to live and work
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Be able to recognise signs that may indicate abuse, harm, or neglect, and know what to do if concerns arise. All colleagues must attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and undertake additional training as needed. You should have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, escalating if action is not taken.
About HC-One
At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe caring for people means caring about what matters most to them so we can support them to live their best possible lives. We champion five key qualities in how we work: we are curious, compassionate, creative, courageous, and dependable. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and promote inclusive working practices across everything we do.
Technology & Development
We are enhancing support for residents through digital care planning. This technology helps streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. You’ll be supported as you adapt to new tools and learn along the way.
Development & Benefits
We care about our colleagues and support your personal and professional development. From the job offer, we aim for a quick start with full support, clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes. HC-One will invest in your growth with opportunities at regional and national levels.
Requirements & Sponsorship
Please note: We can only consider applications from individuals who already have full right to work in the UK. We cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time-limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be progressed.
Rewards & Benefits
* Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications
* £1000 Welcome Bonus
* Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
* Free uniform
* A nutritious meal during a shift of eight hours or more
* Company pension scheme
* 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
* Group life assurance cover
* Wagestream - financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay
* Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
* GP online service for around-the-clock consultations
* Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high-street discounts
* Wellbeing support through an independent Employee Assistance Programme
* Recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
* Refer-a-friend scheme
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