Job Title:
Head Chef
Location:
Bushey, Hertfordshire
Salary:
£42,424 – £44,348 per annum
Hours:
Full-Time – 37 hours per week (weekdays & alternate weekends required)
Job Type:
Permanent
About the Role
We are currently seeking a passionate and experienced
Head Chef
to lead the kitchen at a well-regarded care facility in
Bushey
. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a values-driven organisation that provides high-quality care and support services to older adults.
As Head Chef, you will play a key role in ensuring residents receive nutritious, well-presented meals that cater to their individual dietary needs. You will lead a small team in the delivery of daily meal service, manage kitchen operations, and contribute to the overall wellbeing and satisfaction of residents.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared to a high standard and in compliance with food safety regulations.
* Create and manage seasonal menus that are nutritious, varied, and tailored to meet residents' dietary needs and preferences.
* Lead, manage, and train kitchen staff to maintain a positive and efficient working environment.
* Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation to ensure consistency and excellence.
* Maintain appropriate stock levels, place food orders, and manage kitchen budgets effectively.
* Ensure a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment in line with HACCP and food hygiene standards.
* Collaborate with care teams to understand individual resident dietary requirements, including allergens, texture modifications, and cultural preferences.
Requirements
* Previous experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role, ideally within a care, education, or healthcare environment.
* A passion for preparing high-quality, nutritious meals.
* Strong leadership skills with experience in team development and kitchen management.
* Up-to-date knowledge of food hygiene regulations, including HACCP and COSHH.
* Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
* Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene qualification (or willingness to obtain).
What's on Offer
* Competitive salary with enhanced pay rates for weekends and Bank Holidays.
* 37 hours per week, with no late-night shifts.
* Career development opportunities and recognition of milestones.
* First-class in-house training and support from day one.
* Free Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support for you and your family.
* Company pension scheme (after 1 year of service).
* Free enhanced DBS check and uniform.
* Access to a wide range of retail discounts and wellbeing offers.
* Refer-a-Friend scheme – earn £500 for each successful referral
(terms apply).
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established and supportive organisation where your culinary skills will make a real difference to people's lives.
If you're a dedicated and experienced chef looking to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.