Chef Oxslip, Bury St Edmonds £30,000 per annum Full Time - 37 hours per week Hours - 07:00–14:30 Schedule - Monday to Friday (occasional weekends) Enjoy your evenings free – perfect for work-life balance! Are you an experienced chef ready to take the lead in a meaningful, people-focused environment? Do you thrive on delivering high-quality meals while guiding a team and shaping a service that truly makes a difference? We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Chef to join our Independent Living team. As a senior kitchen professional on-site, you’ll play a key role in leading daily operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring a first-class dining experience for our residents. This role offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling culinary career with a consistent daytime schedule—giving you your evenings back. While the role is primarily Monday to Friday, we’re looking for someone with the flexibility to support weekend cover when needed. What You’ll Be Doing: * Leading the kitchen team to deliver nutritious, seasonal meals that meet a variety of dietary needs * Creating menus that reflect resident preferences, cultural diversity, and special dietary requirements * Managing food budgets, stock levels, and supplier relationships * Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations (including HACCP and COSHH) * Maintaining all due diligence practices to uphold a 5-star EHO rating * Supporting and developing kitchen staff to maintain a high standard of service * Monitoring kitchen equipment and cleanliness, and ensuring safe, efficient operations What You Bring: * A passion for food and a commitment to excellence * Strong leadership skills with the ability to organise, delegate, and lead from the front * A solid understanding of food allergens and how to manage them safely * Experience in catering, ideally in a care, community, or Independent Living setting * A proactive, hands-on approach with great attention to detail * A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above) – Intermediate/Advanced desirable * Confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook * A strong understanding of kitchen due diligence and food safety practices Why Join Us? * A senior role where your leadership and creativity are valued * A supportive, resident-focused environment * Fixed daytime hours – enjoy your evenings and maintain a healthy work-life balance * Opportunities for training and development Employee Benefits We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a paycheque. In addition to a wealth of other benefits and as part of our commitment to your wellbeing and development, we offer: * Cycle to Work Scheme * Retail Discounts * 28 Days Annual Leave Bank Holidays * Professional Development Opportunities * Private Health Care * Employee Assistance Programme * Generous Pension Scheme * Christmas Savings Club If you’re ready to lead with care, creativity, and confidence, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and bring your leadership to the heart of our kitchen. Please note that applications will be reviewed as received and bpha reserves the right to close applications early upon identification of a suitable candidate. Apply early to avoid disappointment! All offers will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, including DBS check and references