Head Chef
£16.66 per hour | 37.5 hours per week
Pitfodels Wood Care Home, Aberdeen – Opening Autumn 2026
Pitfodels Wood is our brand new, luxury care home located in Aberdeen’s prestigious Pitfodels Conservation Area in the city’s sought-after West End. Combining five-star hospitality with high-quality, person-centred care, we are setting a new benchmark for care in the North East.
Do you want to be part of a company that is driven by quality and high standards? Are you a passionate and qualified Chef looking for a better work life balance? Meallmore is the place to be!
As Head Chef, kindness will be at the heart of everything you do as you make a genuine difference in the lives of our residents. As part of the opening team, you will help set the tone, standards and culture of Pitfodels Wood from day one.
At Meallmore, our values are the foundation of our commitment to excellence, shaping meaningful connections, exceptional standards and a truly person-centred approach to care. We are committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected:
- We Create environments of kindness where everyone feels welcome
- We Act with accountability in our roles
- We Recognise the contribution of our colleagues
- We Engage in learning and improvement to continuously grow
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop and prepare high-quality nutritious home-cooked meals using seasonal menus that are locally sourced tailored to resident’s individual needs, preferences and dietary requirements ensuring a high-quality person-centred dining experience
- Lead the catering team with creativity and heart, creating precious and memorable dining experiences that residents and their loved ones will treasure, while bringing comfort, joy and connection through the simple pleasure of great food
- Using your expertise in the IDDSI framework, support and coach the care teams on safe and appropriate textured dining solutions, ensuring residents enjoy meals that are tailored to their individual needs with confidence, comfort and choice
- Champion the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety and quality fostering a culture of excellence that ensures residents receive outstanding hospitality every day, supported by accurate and consistent record-keeping, audits and compliance
- Balance effective stock control and budget management while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, choice and dining experiences for residents
Skills & Requirements
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, ideally within a healthcare setting, with a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences
- Strong menu planning expertise, developing balanced and creative menus that celebrate fresh, seasonal produce
- Excellent knowledge of nutrition, specialist dietary requirements and allergen management
- Good understanding of HACCP and COSHH frameworks with a commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene to support resident wellbeing and safety
- An inspiring and supportive leader who can motivate, develop and empower a catering team while fostering a positive, inclusive and collaborative kitchen culture
- Proactive, organised and compassionate approach with a commitment to enhancing residents wellbeing through outstanding food and hospitality
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification (desirable)
What We Offer
This is a unique opportunity to join Pitfodels Wood and be part of an exciting new chapter, helping to shape an exceptional care home where outstanding care and extraordinary living come together.
We know that exceptional care starts with exceptional colleagues who are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing, celebrate your achievements and help you build a rewarding career with us.
- Full access to training via our award-winning 'Academy of Care Chef Excellence'
- Overtime rates & Stream (access to your earnings before payday)
- Company sick pay & free on-site parking
- Subsidised colleague meals during your shift
- Blue Light Card eligibility for a wide range of online and high-street discounts
Apply today and join our Catering Team of the Year and Scottish Care Nutrition winners!
All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and Disclosure Scotland Scheme Membership (PVG).
