Chef Manager
About this role
Chef Manager (Full-Time) — Thatcham Court Care Home
Position: Chef Manager
Location: Thatcham Court Care Home, Chapel Street, Thatcham, RG18 4QL
Ratings: CQC Rating: Good | Carehome.co.uk Rating: 9.7 / 10
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours per week, Days)
Salary & Bonuses: £15.09 – £18.57 per hour DOE + £3,000 Annual Performance Bonus + £1,000 Welcome Bonus
About Us
As a supportive bridge staffing agency, we are proud to connect talented culinary leaders with exceptional care environments. We are currently recruiting on behalf of Thatcham Court Care Home—a purpose-built dementia care community dedicated to delivering person-centred care, supporting independence, and creating a vibrant, homelike atmosphere where mealtimes are a treasured part of the day.
Role Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Chef Manager to lead our kitchen team. In this role, you will use your passion for fresh food to craft nutritious, tailored menus that cater to individual resident preferences and dietary needs, while mentoring your team to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and create varied, nutritional menus utilizing fresh ingredients in line with residents' personal choices and dietary requirements.
Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen team to maintain high culinary standards and deliver an outstanding dining experience.
Manage all mandatory paperwork, including COSHH and HACCP compliance, company policies, kitchen budgets, and orders/deliveries.
Cater for special events, seasonal activities, summer fetes, and celebrations.
Key Requirements & Qualifications
A genuine passion for cooking with previous hands-on experience working in a fresh food kitchen.
Relevant food hygiene certificates.
Natural leadership and mentorship skills, combined with an innovative approach to menu creation.
A caring, warm personality, eager to connect with residents and share a love of food.
Exceptional Benefits Package
Working through our staffing partnership at Thatcham Court unlocks an incredible array of wellbeing rewards and financial perks:
Pay & Bonuses: Competitive hourly rate (£15.09 – £18.57/hr) plus a £1,000 welcome bonus and a £3,000 annual performance bonus tied to KPIs.
Health & Wellbeing: 24/7 My Healthcare access (remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, and mental health support), a ~£350 annual healthcare product allowance, and a specialized Menopause Plan.
Workplace Perks: Free meal on every shift, 28 days holiday, and a frontline sick pay scheme for financial reassurance during absences.
Financial Flexibility & Support: Wagestream (early access to up to 40% of earned wages instantly), interest-free annual travel loans, and competitive Bupa pension plans.