Head Chef - Care Home

Job Advertisement: Head Chef (Permanent - Full-Time)

Position Overview

• Role: Head Chef - Care Home

• Location: Dales Care Home, Draughton, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6DU

• Pay Rate: £17.91 per hour

• Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

• Hours: 40.00 hours per week (Spread across 4/5 days)

• Shifts: Days (Working days and alternate weekends only)

• Closing Date: 19 September 2026

About the Role

Are you a passionate, qualified chef looking for a better work-life balance without the demanding split shifts and exhausting long hours of traditional restaurants?

Working as a permanent Head Chef through our supportive bridge staffing agency on behalf of Barchester Healthcare, you will take full ownership of your kitchen, enjoy complete culinary autonomy, and deliver hotel- and restaurant-standard dining to our residents. You will lead, motivate, and develop your team, bake fresh goods from scratch daily, and design nutritious, person-centred menus through direct engagement with residents. Plus, you'll gain exclusive access to the renowned Barchester Chef Academy and industry-recognised apprenticeships!

Key Responsibilities (What You'll Do)

• Lead, motivate, inspire, and upskill the kitchen and front-of-house teams.

• Drive menu development, tailoring dishes around residents to ensure true person-centred hospitality.

• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality, wholesome meals cooked to the highest standards.

• Bake fresh cakes, scones, and breads entirely from scratch.

• Collaborate with the front-of-house team to ensure dining areas are beautifully set up.

• Manage budgets, stock control, routine kitchen audits, performance management, and ongoing recruitment.

Candidate Requirements (What You'll Need)

• A personable, warm approach with a genuine interest in resident wellbeing.

• Relevant culinary qualifications (City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent).

• Proven experience in leading, motivating, and inspiring a kitchen team.

• Strong background working with fresh, seasonal food and a good understanding of nutrition.

• Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH regulations.

• Familiarity with modified diets using the IDDSI framework (training provided if transitioning from outside the care sector!).

Rewards & Benefits Package

• Work-Life Balance: Straight day shifts across 4/5 days a week with alternate weekends off.

• Special Bonuses:

  • 'Rewarding Excellence' bonus of up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection.

  • Unlimited 'Refer a Friend' bonus scheme earning up to £500 per successful referral.

• Health & Wellbeing: Free access to medical specialists for second opinions and confidential, free counseling and legal services.

• Perks & Savings: A wide range of retail, leisure, and travel discounts with major brands, plus a monthly staff lottery.

• Career Advancement: Access to the exclusive Barchester Chef Academy, professional apprenticeships, and ongoing qualifications.