Salary: Up to £40,000 | Hours: 40 per week (4 days)
Our client is a modern, luxurious care home located on the outskirts of Chichester and part of an award-winning care group known for delivering exceptional standards of care and hospitality.
The Role:
We are seeking a hands-on and creative Head Chef to lead a small kitchen team, delivering nutritious, varied, and high-quality meals for residents. Meals are served in an on-site bistro-style restaurant, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally where possible.
This is a highly visible role within the home—you will be actively involved in daily service, engaging with residents and contributing to their overall dining experience.
You will also work closely with the General Manager, Heads of Departments, and Activities Team to plan and deliver special events and private dining experiences for residents and their families—offering an excellent opportunity to showcase your creativity.
Key Responsibilitie
- Lead and manage a small kitchen team including a 2nd Chef and trainee
- Plan and develop seasonal, nutritious menus tailored to residents’ needs
- Ensure all meals meet dietary, hydration, and IDDSI requirements
- Oversee ordering, stock control, and kitchen budgets
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance
- Support and train team members to deliver a fine dining experience daily
- Prepare fresh meals and baked goods, including daily pastry items
- Salary up to £40,000 (based on 40 hours/week)
- 28 days holiday (pro rata)
- Free on-site parking
- Free meals on duty
- Uniform provided
- Pension scheme
- Employee discounts
- 4 days per week (7:00am – 5:00pm)
- Alternate weekends
- Excellent work-life balance with 3 days off each week
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a supervisory chef role
- Previous care home experience and knowledge of IDDSI standards
- Experience in pastry and baking
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities
- Passion for high-quality food and exceptional service
- Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Catering/Culinary Arts
- Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3