Head Chef - Care Home

Head Chef

Location: Leonard Lodge Care Home, Roxwell Gardens, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 1AQ

Pay Rate: £19.26 per hour

Hours: 40.00 hours per week

Shift Pattern: Days (Working days and alternate weekends across 4–5 days per week)

Job Type: Permanent

Recruiting Partner: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Connect with Your Next Role Through Supportive Bridge

At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we link talented culinary and hospitality leaders with premium care providers across the country. We are currently recruiting a passionate and qualified Head Chef on behalf of Barchester Healthcare for Leonard Lodge Care Home in Brentwood.

Enjoy delivering hotel/restaurant-standard hospitality without the late nights, split shifts, or grueling hours!

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Head Chef, you will have full autonomy to create nutritious, flavoursome, and seasonal menus tailored to residents' dietary needs and personal preferences. You will lead the kitchen and dining space, taking true ownership of food standards, budgeting, and team development in a warm and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and manage both kitchen and front-of-house dining teams.

• Develop person-centred, nutritious menus using fresh produce, including freshly baked cakes, scones, and bread from scratch.

• Manage modified diets adhering to the IDDSI framework (full training provided if new to care).

• Oversee stock control, kitchen audits, budget compliance, HACCP, and COSHH safety standards.

• Drive recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing skill development within your team.

• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure dining rooms are set to high standards.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking an inspiring culinary leader who combines strong technical kitchen management with a genuine interest in resident wellbeing.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualifications: City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ in Professional Cookery (or equivalent).

• Leadership: Proven track record in motivating, training, and managing a kitchen team.

• Culinary Skills: Experience working with fresh seasonal ingredients and a solid understanding of nutrition.

• Safety & Standards: Practical knowledge of HACCP, COSHH, and kitchen safety.

• Personality: Warm, approachable, and confident in engaging with residents to build tailored menus.

WHAT WE OFFER / REWARDS PACKAGE

• Competitive Pay: £19.26 per hour (Full-Time, Permanent).

• Work-Life Balance: Day shifts only with alternate weekends (no split shifts).

• Barchester Chef Academy: Access to dedicated academy training, apprenticeships, and recognized culinary qualifications.

• Performance Bonuses: ‘Rewarding Excellence’ bonus up to £500* for Good/Outstanding CQC ratings.

• Perks & Discounts: Retail savings, free medical specialist second-opinion access, free legal/counselling support, and staff lottery options.

• Referral Scheme: Unlimited payouts up to £500* per successful referral via the ‘Refer a Friend’ scheme.