Head Chef – Doves Nest Nursing Home
Doves Nest Nursing Home is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver high‑quality, nutritious meals for our residents. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled chef who thrives in a caring environment and is committed to excellence in both food and service.
At Olea Care Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We invest in our teams, celebrate achievements, and create a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will oversee the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared to a consistently high standard and meet the dietary needs of our residents. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, supporting, and motivating the kitchen team
- Planning, preparing, and serving nutritious, well‑balanced meals
- Designing menus that reflect residents’ preferences, dietary requirements, and cultural needs
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and infection control standards
- Managing stock levels, ordering supplies, and controlling kitchen budgets
- Maintaining accurate records, including temperature logs and allergen documentation
- Working collaboratively with care staff to support person‑centred dining experiences
- Training, mentoring, and developing kitchen staff
Why Join Olea Care Group?
- Competitive pay
- Clear progression and development opportunities
- Comprehensive training and ongoing support
- Recognition awards
- Loyalty rewards after 6 months
- 5.6 weeks annual leave
- Christmas bank holiday enhancements
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- Free on‑site parking
- Supportive, open‑door management culture
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef, ideally within a care home or similar setting
- Strong understanding of dietary needs, including allergens and texture‑modified diets
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- A passion for delivering high‑quality, person‑centred catering
- Strong organisational and time‑management abilities
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety
- Empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to enhance residents’ wellbeing
- A proactive, positive attitude and willingness to continuously improve the service
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to complete a DBS check.
Work location: On‑site at Doves Nest Nursing Home.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £15.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Will you require sponsorship now or in the future?
Experience:
- Cooking in carehome: 1 year (required)
- Head Chef: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- food safety certificate (Level 2) (required)
Work Location: In person
