Head Chef

Job Advertisement: Head Chef

Position: Head Chef

Location: Latham Lodge, Waterlooville (PO7 5PD)

Pay Rate: £16.50 per hour

Contract Type: Full-Time, 40 hours per week (Shifts include alternate weekends)

About the Role

Are you a talented culinary professional with a passion for creating delicious meals and making a genuine difference in people's lives? We are seeking a dedicated Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Latham Lodge, a 40-bedded nursing, dementia, and residential care home in Waterlooville.

In this role, you will have creative freedom to design seasonal menus, bake, plate fine-dining standard meals, and craft memorable dining experiences—including weekly afternoon teas and monthly Chef's Tables—that make our home feel truly special.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the kitchen team to consistently deliver high-quality, nutritious meals.

• Design and adapt seasonal menus tailored to residents' preferences, dietary requirements, and nutritional needs using fresh, locally sourced produce.

• Showcase creativity through fine-dining presentation, baking, and cake decoration.

• Organize engaging weekly afternoon teas and a monthly Chef’s Table to delight our residents.

• Engage warmly with residents during service to gather feedback and personalize their dining experience.

• Maintain uncompromising standards of kitchen hygiene, food safety, and regulatory compliance.

What We Are Looking For

• A culinary degree or equivalent professional kitchen experience.

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-motivation skills.

• A creative flair for menu planning, recipe development, and high-end presentation.

• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional hospitality within a care environment.

Why Join Us?

At Caring Homes, we believe in treating our team like family and ensuring you have a fantastic work-life balance. Enjoy a supportive culture along with incredible perks:

• Competitive Pay: £16.50 per hour.

• No Late Evenings: Enjoy consistent hours that let you balance your culinary career with time for family and friends.

• Career Growth: Continuous professional development, training, and apprenticeship opportunities.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Free PVG & Blue Light Card, high street discounts, and an Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support.