Head Chef - Care Home
About this role
Head Chef - Care Home
Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
Location: Lymm, Cheshire (Placements including Brookfield Care Home, WA13 0PZ)
Salary: £33,280.00 per annum
Hours: 40.00 hours per week (Permanent)
Shift: Day Shifts (Working days and alternate weekends across 4–5 days per week)
Contact Us: Call 0800 048 5434 to discuss your next role!
About Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
At Supportive Bridge, we connect talented culinary leaders with top-tier care providers across the region. We guide you through every stage of the recruitment process, helping you secure rewarding, permanent roles where you can deliver hotel- and restaurant-standard dining without the exhausting split shifts or late-night kitchen hours.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and qualified Head Chef for a full-time, permanent position at a charming 27-bed care home in Lymm, Cheshire.
In this role, you will take full ownership of the kitchen operations, leading and inspiring your team to deliver person-centred hospitality. Using fresh, seasonal produce, you will bake fresh cakes and breads from scratch, design appetizing menus tailored to resident preferences, and create a warm, vibrant dining experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Leading, motivating, and managing performance, recruitment, and upskilling for the kitchen and front-of-house hospitality team.
Developing nutritious, flavoursome, and tailored menus using fresh seasonal produce and baking from scratch.
Working with modified diets using the IDDSI framework (training provided if transitioning from hospitality).
Collaborating with front-of-house staff to ensure dining areas are set to exceptionally high standards.
Managing kitchen budgets, stock control, regular audits, and full compliance with HACCP and COSHH standards.
About You
Qualifications: City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent in Catering/Culinary Arts (required).
Leadership Experience: Proven track record in leading, inspiring, and managing a kitchen and hospitality team.
Culinary Expertise: Strong background in cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, menu creation, and nutrition.
Compliance & Safety: Sound understanding of HACCP, COSHH, and IDDSI frameworks (or eagerness to learn IDDSI).
Attributes: Personable, warm-hearted, and driven by high culinary and hospitality standards.
Rewards Package & Benefits
Competitive Salary: £33,280.00 per annum.
Superior Work-Life Balance: 40 hours per week, day shifts only, with alternate weekends off across a 4/5 day week.
CQC Inspection Bonuses: Earn up to £500 through 'Rewarding Excellence' bonuses for Good or Outstanding CQC ratings.
Academy & Career Growth: Access to the Barchester Chef Academy, industry-recognised apprenticeships, and advanced qualifications.
Health & Wellbeing Perks: Free access to medical specialist second opinions, confidential counselling, and legal support.
Retail & Leisure Savings: Discounts with major brands, supermarkets, and travel companies.
Recognition: Unlimited £500 'Refer a Friend' scheme and monthly staff lottery options.