Head Chef - Care Home
About this role
Job Advertisement: Head Chef - Care Home
Position Overview
Role: Permanent Head Chef
Location: Stoneham Grove Care Home, Stoneham Farm, READING, RG31 5UG
Salary: £43,000.00 per annum
Hours: 40.00 hours per week (Permanent)
Shift Pattern: Days (Working days and alternate weekends only across 4 to 5 days a week)
Reference/Expiry: Posted 14 July 2026 | Expires 19 August 2026
About the Role
Are you a passionate and qualified Chef looking for an exceptional work-life balance without the punishing long hours and split shifts? Acting as your supportive bridge staffing agency, we are thrilled to connect talented culinary professionals with Barchester Healthcare.
As a Head Chef, you will enjoy full autonomy in creating nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus while taking complete ownership of your kitchen.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Culinary Excellence: Preparing fresh produce to deliver high-quality, wholesome dishes, including baking fresh cakes, scones, and breads from scratch.
Team Leadership: Leading, motivating, inspiring, and upskilling your kitchen and front-of-house teams.
Person-Centred Hospitality: Engaging directly with residents to tailor menus to their preferences, including catering for modified diets using the IDDSI framework (full training provided if new to care).
Kitchen Management: Managing budgets, completing regular audits, handling stock control, and overseeing recruitment and performance management.
Development: Access to the exclusive Barchester Chef Academy and industry-recognised apprenticeships.
About You
Qualifications: City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent culinary qualifications.
Experience: Proven experience working with fresh seasonal food, understanding nutrition, and leading a team in a high-standard kitchen environment.
Compliance: Solid understanding of HACCP, COSHH, and food safety regulations.
Personality: A warm, personable approach with a genuine passion for enhancing residents' wellbeing through food.
Rewards & Benefits Package
Competitive salary of £43,000 per annum for a great 40-hour work week (days only, alternate weekends)
‘Rewarding Excellence’ bonus: Earn up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
Unlimited access to the ‘Refer a Friend’ scheme (up to £500 per referral)
Access to retail and leisure discounts with major brands, supermarkets, and travel companies
Free access to medical specialists for second opinions and confidential, free counselling and legal services
Tax Code Review Service and optional monthly staff lottery
Ongoing career growth via the Barchester Chef Academy and professional apprenticeships