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. Every Resident is an individual with their own life stories, and by joining HC-One you’ll have the opportunity to give something meaningful back through your care and commitment.
As Head Chef, you’ll inspire your kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that Residents will genuinely enjoy. You’ll ensure every dish supports Health and Wellbeing, considering individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and nutritional requirements. With hygiene and safety front of mind, you’ll manage the kitchen efficiently — overseeing stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP. You’ll work closely with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence while running a smooth, well-organised kitchen operation. You’ll also shape mealtimes into enjoyable, ambient dining experiences to enhance Residents’ quality of life.
We’re looking for someone with energy, leadership, and the ability to motivate others. You’ll be organised, able to plan ahead, and take pride in delivering excellent service every day. Most importantly, you’ll be kind, considerate, and committed to making our care homes a great place to live — and work.
Responsibilities
* Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that Residents will enjoy, considering dietary needs and cultural preferences.
* Oversee stock, budgets, orders, and compliance with food safety standards (HACCP).
* Collaborate with central teams to maintain nutritional excellence and a well-organised kitchen operation.
* Create mealtime experiences that are welcoming and supportive of Residents’ quality of life.
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)
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You should recognise signs of potential abuse, harm or neglect and know what to do if concerns arise. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training as needed.
About HC-One
At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We care for people and support them to live their best possible lives. We bring five key qualities to care: curiosity, compassion, creativity, courage, and dependability.
* We are curious — asking questions and seeking to understand.
* We are compassionate — walking in the shoes of others.
* We are creative — finding practical ways to make things happen.
* We are courageous — supporting residents to live the life they choose.
* We are dependable — people can always count on us.
We champion inclusivity and support a diverse workforce. We’re enhancing digital care planning and seek team members comfortable with technology or willing to learn. We offer clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and opportunities at regional and national levels.
Please note: We can only consider applications from individuals with the full right to work in the UK. Sponsorship or time-limited visa applications cannot be accepted.
Rewards & Benefits
* Hourly rate subject to experience and qualifications
* Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
* Free uniform
* Nutritious meals during shifts of eight hours or more
* Company pension scheme
* 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
* Group life assurance cover
* Wagestream – flexible access to pay
* Learning and development opportunities and support to achieve qualifications
* GP online service for you and your children under 16
* Colleague discounts and wellbeing support including an Employee Assistance Programme
* Recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
* Refer-a-friend scheme (up to £1000 per referral, depending on role)
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