Head Chef - Care Home
About this role
Head Chef
Are you an experienced, passionate chef looking for a premier leadership role that offers true kitchen autonomy, excellent work-life balance without split shifts, and the chance to make a genuine difference?
As a supportive bridge staffing agency, we are proud to partner with Barchester Healthcare to help find an inspiring Head Chef for Felbridge Manor Care Home in Copthorne, West Sussex.
Position Details
Location: Felbridge Manor Care Home, Turners Hill Road, Copthorne, RH10 3EP
Salary: £43,736.00 per annum
Hours: 40.00 hours per week (Working days and alternate weekends only, across 4/5 days a week)
Contract Type: Permanent
Shift: Days
About the Role
As the Head Chef, you will enjoy full autonomy to create nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus using fresh, seasonal produce while delivering hotel and restaurant-standard dining without the grueling hours and split shifts. You will take complete ownership of your kitchen, mentor your team, and collaborate with residents to deliver person-centred hospitality. (Plus, you'll gain access to Barchester's exclusive Chef Academy and industry-recognized apprenticeships!)
Key Responsibilities:
Lead, motivate, inspire, and upskill your kitchen and front-of-house teams.
Craft and develop wholesome menus, baking fresh cakes, scones, and breads from scratch.
Manage kitchen budgets, stock control, regular audits, HACCP, COSHH, and team recruitment.
Engage directly with residents to tailor menus and foster a warm, efficient, and fun dining environment.
About You
To join us as a Head Chef, you will bring:
Qualifications: City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent culinary certification.
Experience: Proven background in leading a kitchen team and working with fresh, seasonal food.
Knowledge: Good understanding of nutrition, HACCP, and COSHH (training on modified IDDSI diets is provided if transitioning into care).
Personality: A warm, personable approach with a genuine passion for resident wellbeing and high-quality hospitality.
The Rewards Package
Barchester offers an exceptional rewards package to recognize your leadership, including:
Competitive annual salary of £43,736.00
Rewarding Excellence bonus (earn up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection)
Unlimited access to our ‘Refer a Friend’ scheme (earning up to £500 per referral)
A wide range of retail, leisure, and travel discounts
Free access to medical specialists for second opinions
Confidential, free access to counselling and legal services
Tax code review service and an option to join the monthly staff lottery