Head Chef - Care Home
About this role
Head Chef – Care Home
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 & alternate weekends across 4/5 days)
Shift Pattern: Day Shifts (No split shifts or late nights)
Employment Type: Permanent
About the Opportunity
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with Barchester Healthcare to find an exceptional, qualified Head Chef for Felbridge Manor Care Home.
Are you a passionate culinary professional seeking hotel/restaurant-quality standards alongside a true work-life balance? This position offers full kitchen autonomy, competitive compensation, and the backing of one of the UK’s leading healthcare providers.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the kitchen, creating wholesome, fresh, and nutritious menus tailored to residents' tastes and nutritional needs—all without the split shifts and late night hours of traditional hospitality.
Key Responsibilities:
Culinary Excellence: Prepare high-quality dishes using fresh seasonal produce, including baking fresh cakes, scones, and breads from scratch.
Menu Development: Design tailored, person-centred menus while accounting for modified diets (using the IDDSI framework).
Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and upskill the kitchen team; oversee recruitment, performance management, and dining room set-up.
Kitchen Operations: Manage budgets, inventory, stock control, regular audits, and strict compliance with HACCP and COSHH standards.
About You
We are looking for a warm, personable leader who combines culinary talent with strong management skills.
Requirements:
Qualifications: City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery.
Experience: Proven leadership in a kitchen environment with expertise in working with fresh, seasonal ingredients and budget control.
Compliance Knowledge: Solid understanding of HACCP and COSHH guidelines (training on IDDSI/modified diets provided if new to care).
Leadership: Ability to inspire staff and create a warm, efficient, and fun kitchen environment.
Rewards & Benefits Package
In return for your leadership and expertise, you will receive an outstanding compensation and benefits package:
Competitive Salary: £43,736.00 per annum
Work-Life Balance: Day shifts and alternate weekends across a 4/5 day week
Inspection Bonus: ‘Rewarding Excellence’ bonus up to £500 for Good or Outstanding CQC ratings (terms apply)
Barchester Chef Academy: Access to industry-recognized apprenticeships, advanced training, and skill-sharing programs
Perks & Discounts: Retail/leisure discounts, travel savings, and monthly staff lottery
Support Services: Free access to medical specialist second opinions, confidential counselling, legal advice, and tax code reviews
Referral Scheme: Unlimited bonuses up to £500 per successful referral (terms apply)