Head Chef - Care Home
About this role
Job Advertisement: Head Chef (Permanent)
Position: Head Chef
Location: Henford House Care Home, Lower Marsh Road, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9PB
Pay Rate: £19.81 per hour
Contract Type: Permanent (40 hours per week, Days)
Closing Date: 19 September 2026
About the Role
Are you a qualified, passionate chef looking to achieve a better work-life balance? As a Head Chef at Henford House Care Home, you will enjoy delivering hotel and restaurant standards without the exhausting split shifts and long hours of traditional hospitality roles.
You will have full autonomy to lead your kitchen, mentor your team, and create nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus using fresh, seasonal ingredients. By working closely with residents to tailor meals to their preferences, you will champion person-centred hospitality, bake fresh goods from scratch, and maintain excellent standards across budgeting, stock control, audits, and kitchen safety.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a dedicated culinary leader with:
Qualifications: Hold City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent certifications.
Leadership Experience: Proven experience leading, motivating, and inspiring a kitchen team.
Culinary Expertise: Experience working with fresh, seasonal food, a solid understanding of nutrition, and strong knowledge of HACCP, COSHH, and the IDDSI framework (training provided if transitioning from outside the care sector).
Personable Approach: A warm, engaging nature with a genuine commitment to resident wellbeing.
Rewards & Benefits Package
Competitive Pay: £19.81 per hour for a 40-hour permanent week.
Great Work-Life Balance: Daytime shifts across 4 to 5 days a week, with alternate weekends only.
Bonus Schemes: 'Rewarding Excellence' bonus up to £500* for Good or Outstanding CQC inspections, plus unlimited 'Refer a Friend' bonuses up to £500* per referral.
Professional Growth: Access to the exclusive Barchester Chef Academy, industry-recognised apprenticeships, and ongoing free learning and development.
Health & Wellbeing: Free access to medical specialists for second opinions, plus confidential counselling and legal services.
Perks: Retail and leisure discounts with major brands, tax code review services, and a monthly staff lottery.